The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP. Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, has reiterated the command support for peaceful protest on ‘‘End SARS’’, he said the Command has been co-operating with the protesting youths in the State.
The Commissioner of Police in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Fadeyi Olugbenga expressed his appreciation to the residents who have been carrying out the protest and had not allowed it to degenerate into fracas within the ambit of the law in the State.
The CP equally explained to the ‘‘EndSARS’’ protesters in Ibadan, steps taken by the Inspector General of Police, IGP. Mohammed A. Adamu on the reformation of SARS,including ban on engaging in routine patrols, stop-and-search, mounting of road blocks and traffic checks among others with immediate effect.
The CP further appealed to the general public to give the Police high Command some time for the full implementation of the IGP’s instructions.
He however stated that, the protest was taking a new dimension as protesters were mapping out new strategies to carry out coordinated attacks on innocent citizens, Police stations and personnel. As a result of this, the CP therefore enjoined, parents/guardians, traditional rulers, community/religious leaders/leaders of thought etc. to wade in and appeal to their children/wards to desist from such act(s) that can be inimical to our cooperate interest.
He stated further that, the Command is battle ready to curtail their excesses and will not fold its arms and allow disgruntled elements/social miscreants to capitalize on the situation and unleash mayhem on innocent citizens and also loot peoples’ properties as there are proper ways to channel their grievances.
“In the same vein, the IGP’s directives that SARS personnel should not engage in routine patrols etc. should not be misconstrued. Other regular Police patrol teams including Swift Response Squad (SRS) Skynet squad, Puff Adder, Federal and Safer highway patrol teams, Police Mobile Force 4 and 72 etc. would continue to carry out routine patrols within and outside Ibadan metropolis to protect lives and property of the citizens of Oyo State”.the Commissioner added
CP Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu then assured Oyo state residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestations from any individual or groups as adequate security measures had been emplaced for maximum safety of all and sundry, while he warned angry youths/mobs from taking laws into their hands.
