Osun State Police Command has reacted to the news flying on social media that some youths who protested on Tuesday in Osogbo carried AK-47 unchallenged during the protest.
Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola said the person sighted amidst protesters with a riffle is a police officer.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode has been drawn to the news trending in the social media that one of the protesters who willingly and unlawfully distrupted the PEACE and tranquility of Osogbo was seen with AK 47 rifle.
“Ordinarily, the Commissioner of Police wouldn’t have dignified the Writers with a reply but due to the sensitivity and the nature of the incident, it has become absolutely necessary not only to refute the story but to also set the records straight and douse the attendant fear and apprehension.
“You will recall that on Tuesday 18th May, 2021 at about 0600 hours, some youths in the State took to the major streets/round about of Osogbo, sets bonfire and blocked roads to express their displeasure over the arrest of some suspected Internet fraudster popularly refer to as “Yahoo boys” by EFCC operatives from Ibadan, Oyo State which hindered the vehicular movement and disrupted the daily activities
of law abiding citizenry.
“The Commissioner of Police in order not to degenerate into chaos promptly waded into the situation before it will snowball to anarchy.
“Therefore, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Dugbe Division in the State capital swiftly mobilized some Policemen who were off duty to increase the number of men deployed for that duty. The young man referred to in mufti was one of the policemen hurriedly deployed for the Swift response operation.
“In the light of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police urges the members of the public to disregard the information as untrue and deliberately penned not only to hit the body of police, but to also misguide and confuse the general public.
“At this juncture, the Commissioner of Police enjoins the good people of the state in particular, to continue partnering with the State Police Command in order to protect and serve them better, shun every act that can result into violence and thereby jeopardize the existing peace in the State.”
