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Oyo State Police command has warned against frivolous street carnivals, criminal and minded youths and idle individuals always willing to use such avenues to extort money, intimidate perceived rivals and commit crimes.
According to the command, some residents of the state are fond of organising street carnivals especially during Ileya festival, which on several occasions turn violent and bloody.
The police said it would not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with anyone found disturbing public peace before, during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Olugbenga Fadeyi, said police would not stand by and watch some violent individuals or groups under the guise of carnivals to engage in activities that would disturb the peace of the environment or that may lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“Consequently, organisers of such unapproved street carnivals should be ready to bear the consequences of any negative fallout before, during and after the celebrations,” Fadeyi said.
The police also called on the leaders of motorcycle riders to join hands with it to flush out criminally minded individuals in their midst who have been devising several methods, styles and modus operandi to commit crimes such as stealing, armed robbery, rape, among others.
“It is pertinent to note that, police searchlight will henceforth be beamed on such operators with a view of running them out of business and bringing them to justice,” he added.
The police assured that it was fully prepared for the Sallah celebrations, saying adequate security measures have been put in place to respond adequately to any security threats from any individuals or groups who may be bent on disturbing the relative peace and tranquility being enjoyed by the people living in the state.