The Police Command in Osun, along with other security and paramilitary agencies, conducted a joint show of force in Osogbo on Wednesday in anticipation of the proposed nationwide protest.
This move underscores their commitment to ensuring a peaceful demonstration within the state.
SP Yemisi Opalola, the police spokesperson, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the joint patrol signified the readiness of all security agencies to maintain order during the protest. The nationwide demonstration, tagged “End Bad Governance and Hunger in Nigeria,” is slated to commence on Thursday and continue until August 10.
The joint security patrol comprises the military, including the Army, Airforce, and Navy, as well as the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
“We have deployed officers and instructed them to ensure that protesters are protected. The officers are also to arrest anyone or groups that are not part of the protest but are out to create chaos, attack the protesters, damage, or loot property of residents of the state,” Opalola stated.
The police spokesperson warned that individuals apprehended for inciting trouble during the protest would face legal consequences.
In light of the planned protest, various levels of government, traditional and religious leaders, and numerous associations and groups have urged that the protest be reconsidered. They acknowledged the citizens’ right to protest, especially given the prevailing economic challenges, but suggested that protesters should instead consider engaging in dialogue with relevant government officials and agencies.
