Security agencies in Oyo State have embarked on a show of force within Ibadan metropolis as part of measures to express readiness ahead of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on Thursday.
The security agencies comprise of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and Nigerian Army.
Others were National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and Amotekun Corps.
The exercise, which began from the Police Command headquarters, Eleyele, went through Onireke, Sabo, Mokola roundabout, Oyo Government Secretariat, Agodi-Gate, Iwo Road, Bodija and Challenge.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Ayodele Sonubi said the show of force became imperative to create awareness on the readiness of the security personnel to ensure peace and order during the planned nationwide protest.
Mr Sonubi noted that security agencies in the state were not averse to people ventilating their anger by way of peaceful protest, nothing that citizens have the right to protest without infringing on the rights of others citizens.
“It is not your right to coerce others to join the protest. “No body including the security agencies have the right to stop peaceful protest , our right is to protect peaceful protesters, their lives and property”
“But the moment it turned violence we have the right to lead and bring orderliness,”
The Police Boss said the show of force continues tomorrow till the said date of the protest to ensure that the residents enjoy peaceful atmosphere.
He said Nigerians had witnessed many protests while some are peaceful and others were bloody especially the EndSARs protest which ended in a violent and negative ways.
Mr Sonubi stated further that the government was aware of the challenges faced by Nigerians and had taken steps to address them.
He said security agencies are Nigerians and faced the same challenges experienced by all citizens, calling on everyone to trend with caution for the continuous peace and progress of the country.
“In as much as the citizens have the right to protest, the police and other security agencies in the state would not tolerate violent protest”
