Restore Normalcy
- Safiu Kehinde
The Osun State Police Command hasmade clarification over the unrest and shooting which occurred in Osogbo, the state’s capital.
NPO Report that clash had yesterday broken out around the Oke Fia bridge and Old Garage.
With sound of gunshots echoing in the air, residents and mororists were thrown into a state of panic over what was initially considered as another political violence.
The protest created tension, forcing some residents and motorists to flee the affected areas.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued by DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the command’s spokesperson, the Osun police said restored normalcy in Osogbo after the clash which, according to Ojelabi, occurr3d between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The police spokesperson said the clash disrupted commercial activities and caused panic among residents,
He said the clash followed a protest by one faction over an alleged denial of access to a motor park by the dominant faction.
Ojelabi said the protest disrupted public peace and commercial activities before police operatives swiftly intervened.
He said the command deployed personnel to the scene and used minimal force to disperse the protesters and restore normalcy.
The police spokesperson added that officers had been stationed at motor parks across the state to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
He appealed to members and leaders of the rival factions to cease hostilities and embrace peaceful dialogue.
Ojelabi urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements capable of escalating tensions.
He said relevant authorities were addressing issues surrounding the management of the motor parks.
According to him, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to maintain law and order.
He said the agencies would also protect lives and property and conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
Ojelabi warned that anyone found to have engaged in violence or other criminal acts would be dealt with according to the law
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.
Gotan also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
The commissioner further advised the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or inflaming tensions.