The Oyo State Police Command said the development surrounding the proposed August 1, 2024 nationwide protest over economic hardship in the country has shown sinister intentions by some unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of the situation to plunge the state into prolonged anarchy.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodele Sonubi made the disclosure after a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Acknowledging the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly, CP Sonubi said the mischievous individuals under the auspices of the planned protest have concluded plans to destabilise the state by exploiting the protests for their criminal agendas.
In doing this, the CP said the individuals planned to destroy critical assets, harass innocent citizens and loot private businesses.
The Oyo State Police boss however pledged the readiness of the police to protect peaceful protesters.
“Moving forward, as it is expected that the protesters will put the interest of our state and by extension the nation first, the Oyo State Police Command looks forward to protecting peaceful protesters as they go through identified designated routes and stops.
“Similarly, in our proactive nature, residents will witness high octane confidence-building motorised patrols in concert with our esteemed sister services in a bid to reassure residents about our commitment to their safety.
“So also, there will also be intelligence driven ‘stop & search’ and purposeful surveillance duties by the Command’s tactical and intelligence asset around critical infrastructures and public spaces in order to prevent hoodlums from making it their playground,” the CP said.
Sonubi stressed that he had directed all Area Commanders to personally lead convoy patrols at their respective area commands even as they perform supervisory functions on their respective field officers inclusive of divisional police officers, tactical team leaders and junior ranks.
He added that officers and men of the Oyo State Police Command under his watch should respect the rights of all participating peaceful protesters.
Lastly, the police chief said, “As we keep close watch towards the build-up, in the interest of public safety and order, I urge all groups planning to protest in the state to approach the command with necessary details on proposed protest routes and assembly points, expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers and measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
He also urged parents, guardians and leaders in diverse spheres of influence to prevail on their children, wards and followers against being used as cannon fodders at this time by agents of mischief, vowing there will be dire consequences for any criminal actions channeled at disrupting the relative tranquility enjoyed in the state.
CP Hamzat also appealed to the media on the need to help set-up an agenda for a violence-free protest and as well discourage the spread of unverified news potent enough to ignite chaos during the period at hand.
“Finally, we encourage all peaceful and legitimate protesters to cooperate with the Command, obey the laws, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
“Worthy of note is that, the Oyo State Police Command is committed to working with all residents of the state to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order,” he said.