Protest: Makinde, Security Chiefs Warn Against Violent Actions

By Iyabo Adebisi

Ahead of the planned August protest in Nigeria, security chiefs and stakeholders in Oyo state have called for a peaceful agitation, warning against violence, public disturbance and infringement on people’s rights. 

The meeting was held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament building, Secretariat, Ibadan. 

At the Forum, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde said the planned protest is permitted under the law as long as it is peaceful.

Governor Makinde, who spoke through the Special Adviser on Security Matters,  Fatai Owoseni called on organizers of the planned protest to carefully guide the event against disruption of economic activities, criminality and vandalization.

Governor Makinde solicited synergy with the security agencies, while every citizen is enjoined to make use of the security emergency number 615 in case of any security breaches.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police,Ayodele Sonubi represented by DCP Operation, Akinade Adejobi emphasized that there are dangers inherent in violent protests.

Mr Sonubi said that security agencies would have no option but to deploy their operatives to restore peace if the planned protest resulted in violence.

Mr Sonubi said that security agencies would start patrolling major roads in the state from July 28, as part of measures to maintain peace across the state.

The Oyo state chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Mr Sikiru Sanda, promised that the security stakeholders’ meeting would be replicated in their respective council areas. 

Others who spoke at the meeting urged parents to caution their children against engaging in violent protest.

Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS).

Others were representatives of Nigeria Immigration Service; Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Amotekun Corps; local government chairmen across the state, bankers’ forum, market leaders, transport unions and community leaders.

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