Following a protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over fuel scarcity and the shortage of new naira notes, the state police command warned youths to avoid being exploited by agents of violence. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer Adewale Osifeso said the command is fully prepared to mobilise to prevent criminal elements from turning the state into their playground. He noted that intelligence indicates certain unscrupulous individuals have devised plans to hijack the situation by attacking places of interest.
Osifeso advised the public, especially young people, to steer clear of those who seek to profit criminally from the unrest, particularly as the 2023 general elections approach. He urged residents to remain calm and maintain peace despite pockets of protest that have arisen across the metropolis over rising fuel prices and the unavailability of cash at ATMs and point‑of‑sale terminals.
Intelligence also reveals that some actors intend to escalate the unrest into full‑scale chaos by targeting INEC facilities, banks, media houses, schools, correctional centres, major malls, business centres and other critical infrastructure. In response, the police will conduct high‑octane patrols in coordination with sister security agencies to boost residents’ confidence and reassure them of the command’s commitment to comprehensive security.
The command therefore encourages people to go about their businesses without fear of harassment or molestation, emphasizing that the relative tranquility in the state cannot be compromised by unscrupulous and criminal elements.
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