In preparation for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) proposed two-day protest set to occur nationwide, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat, has announced plans for a confidence-building patrol across the 33 Local Government Areas of the state. The patrol, scheduled for Tuesday, aims to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order during the protest.
According to a statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, the patrol will involve the participation of the Commissioner of Police, alongside Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical commanders. The objective is to reassure residents and safeguard lives and property from individuals seeking to exploit the situation for personal criminal agendas.
While affirming the command’s respect for citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, Osifeso emphasized the importance of maintaining public order and protecting critical infrastructure. He stated, “In line with its statutory mandate, the lives and property of all will be protected from unscrupulous elements who might want to hijack the process for their own personal criminal agenda.”
The directive from CP Adebola mandates police leadership to conduct confidence-building patrols across various locations, including critical infrastructure, media houses, government institutions, correctional facilities, banks, places of worship, recreational centers, public spaces, and designated protest routes. The aim is to ensure the smooth conduct of the protest while preemptively addressing any potential threats.
Furthermore, CP Adebola reassured residents of the command’s readiness to address any challenges arising from the protest. He called upon parents, guardians, and community leaders to counsel their wards against being manipulated by “agents of anarchy” seeking to disrupt the peace enjoyed in the state.
Despite concerns regarding heavy police presence and convoy patrols, the statement sought to allay fears by emphasizing the necessity of such measures to maintain public safety and security during the protest.
