Osun Police Warn Against Planned Protest By Alleged Cult Groups

-Vow To Prevent Breakdown of Law and Order

-Probe killing, say suspects still at large

The Osun State Police Command has warned individuals and groups planning to stage a protest under the name of the “Congress of Cultists” against acts capable of disrupting public peace and causing a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The Command, in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said intelligence indicated that the purported group was allegedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe.

The police warned that it would not allow any individual or group to exploit the situation to cause chaos, destroy property or threaten the lives of residents.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, as saying: “The police and other security agencies will not fold their hands and allow miscreants to use any opportunity to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and destruction of lives and properties.”

The Command said its operatives would respond appropriately to any action capable of threatening the peace and security of the state.

It urged individuals or groups with grievances to seek lawful means of resolving their disputes rather than resorting to violence, self-help or reprisal attacks.

The warning came as the police disclosed that discreet investigations had commenced into a recent killing incident in the state.

According to the Command, the investigation had yielded useful leads, while some suspects identified in connection with the incident were still at large.

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them before the appropriate authorities to face justice.

The Command also appealed to members of the public with useful information about the killing to come forward, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.

The CP further called on parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other responsible members of the public to prevail on youths not to participate in activities capable of destabilising the state.

Zungura urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, while promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

The Command said it remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and public order across Osun State.