BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
A socio-political group, “Osun Shall Rise Again”, has warned against violent protest over the alleged extra-judicial killing of one Afolabi Abiola.
The late Abiola was allegedly killed by some policemen in the State Police Command.
The warning is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo by the group Chairman Saheed Bakare and Secretary Lanre Akeju.
According to the statement, the group learnt that members of another group, “Revolution Now” are planning to violently protest against Abiola’s death.
The statement said that the group “Osun Shall Rise Again” decided to raise the alarm over the planned violent protest, to intimate security operatives and the government.
The statement read: “While we condemned the alleged extra-judicial killing of promising young Abiola by some policemen, we appeal to Osun youths to exercise patience and wait for the outcome of the investigation being carried out on the matter.
“We are, therefore, calling on heads of security agencies in Osun to take proactive measures to avert mayhem in the state.
“We do not need any protest now, especially one being coordinated by elements of “Revolution Now”.
“We shall be willing to support any legitimate agitation by Osun youths, but such agitation must not have political colouration or be driven by criminal elements.
“We must not give any individual or group the chance to disrupt the peace we enjoy in Osun.”
The group also commended the state government for its proactive steps and interest in the matter.
The state’s police command had earlier issued a statement warning against any protest by youths, individuals or groups.
The command, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Yemisi Opalola, said no form of protest would deter the police from carrying out their legitimate duties
Opalola said that on April 4 some suspected hoodlums engaged the police in a gun duel during a raid of their hideout around Dada Estate in Osogbo.
She said in the process, one of the suspected criminals was hit and injured, two were arrested, including a woman, while others escaped through the bush.
Opalola said the suspected criminal, who was injured, was taken to a hospital for treatment but later died there.
She said items recovered from the scene of the incident included one cut-to-size single barreled gun, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge, army camouflage T-shirt, Nigerian Army identity card, charms, among others.
“In view of this, parents and guardians are advised to sternly warn their children or wards against partaking in the planned protest,” she said.
