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As the crisis rocking the administration of local government areas(LGAs) and local council development areas(LCDAs) in Oyo State continue unabated, the State Police Command has warned stakeholders in the crisis to refrain from any act(s) or cause of action that may lead to breakdown of laws and order, lawlessness, and subsequent avoidable shedding of blood, injuries or damage to properties.
A statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), SP. Olugbenga Fadeyi, said it is the constitutional responsibilities of the police to amongst other duties, protect lives and properties, maintain laws and order, arrest, investigate and prosecute offenders and the due enforcement of all laws and extant enactments in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Police Acts and Regulations.
He noted that the role of the police in the ongoing controversy surrounding the administration of local councils in Oyo State should not be seen as a face-off but as part of the professional police efforts geared towards the performance of its constitutional responsibilities.
“The Commissioner of Police therefore wishes to appeal to all the stakeholders, leaders and the entire peace loving good citizens of Oyo State involved in the administration of local government to be circumspect in their respective efforts at managing their respective demands on the daily administration of these local governments and LCDAs and prevent a descent to unpalatable/unintended consequences.
“As the police continue to strive to provide adequate security at the respective local government offices; nonetheless, the stakeholders are enjoined to refrain from any act(s) or cause of action that may lead to breakdown of laws and order, lawlessness, and subsequent avoidable shedding of blood, injuries or damage to properties.
“It is our hope that the issues at stake/unintended lock jam will eventually be addressed to the satisfaction of all the groups concerned and in the best interest of the entire people of Oyo State who have no other state that they can call their own,” Fadeyi said.
The Police also warned social miscreants and criminal minded individuals and groups to stay clear of the LGAs and LCDAs premises.
Fadeyi assured members of the public of their safety and advised them to go about their lawful businesses in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility devoid of any molestation, intimidation or threat whatsoever.
“In the same breath, they are urged to continue to partner with the Police to enable us collectively deal with the criminal elements in our midst,” he stated.