POLICE CAUTION AGAINST ILLEGAL TAKEOVER OF OSUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIATS

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Osun State Police Command has warned individuals and groups against attempting to forcibly take control of local government areas or their facilities across the state.

The warning was issued in a statement on Monday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Erale.

According to the command, it had received reports of plans by some individuals and groups to forcefully assume control of local government areas despite the matter being before the courts.

The police described such actions as self-help and a threat to public peace, urging all parties to exercise restraint and allow the judiciary to resolve the matter.

Ojelabi said, “No individual, political group, or association has the right to resort to self-help or the use of force to assume control of any Local Government Area or public institution while judicial proceedings are ongoing.”

The command warned that anyone who attempts to forcibly occupy or disrupt local government facilities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt Local Government facilities will be viewed as a serious breach of the peace and dealt with decisively in accordance with the law, including arrest and prosecution of persons found culpable,” the statement added.

The police also appealed to parents, community and traditional leaders, political leaders, youth leaders and other stakeholders to caution their supporters against actions that could threaten peace and security in the state.

Eralе congratulated residents of Osun State on what he described as the successful and peaceful conclusion of the recent governorship election and commended stakeholders for participating in the democratic process.

He urged residents to remain calm, respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to take its course.

The command assured residents that it would continue to protect lives and property while maintaining peace and public order across the state.