The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Samuel Etaifo, has warned individuals and groups against attempting to forcefully take over local government secretariats, premises or properties across the state.
Etaifo issued the warning in a statement on Monday in Osogbo, stressing that anyone who attempts to seize local government facilities by force would be arrested and prosecuted.
The police commissioner said the command had received reports of plans by some individuals and groups to forcibly take control of local government secretariats despite the matter being before the court.
He stressed that no individual, political group or association had the right to resort to self-help or use force to assume control of any local government area or public institution while judicial proceedings on the administrative matter were ongoing.
Etaifo urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and allow the courts to resolve the dispute in accordance with the law.
“Any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt local government facilities will be viewed as a serious breach of the peace and dealt with decisively in accordance with the law, including arrest and prosecution of persons found culpable,” he said.
The commissioner also called on parents, community and traditional leaders, political and youth leaders, as well as other stakeholders, to caution their supporters against actions that could threaten the peace and security of the state.
He urged Osun residents to remain calm, respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to run its course.
Etaifo assured residents that the police would continue to protect lives and property while maintaining peace and order across the state.
