Hunger Protest: Kwara Police Command Emphasizes Zero Tolerance for Violence
By Omowumi Omotosho
The Kwara State Police Command has issued a strong advisory against participating in the nationwide hunger protest set to commence Thursday. The advisory comes in response to planned demonstrations by young Nigerians protesting the soaring food prices.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, the command emphasized that any attempt by miscreants to hijack the protest would be met with firm resistance, given the command’s zero tolerance for violence.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, CP Victor Olaiya psc(+) wishes to address the public regarding the impending protest and provide important guidance to our esteemed citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional rights to a peaceful protest, as well as issue a stern warning to individuals with malicious intent.”
The statement further elaborated: “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to discourage citizens from participating in the said protest and to remind all persons that if the peaceful protest should take place, any attempt by miscreants to hijack the protest for their own selfish end will not be tolerated.”
Underscoring their commitment to public safety and order, the command declared, “Our commitment to ensuring public safety and order remains unwavering. Any individual or group caught engaging in acts of violence, looting, arson, or any other criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law. The police have deployed adequate personnel and resources to monitor the protest closely, and our surveillance units are equipped to identify and apprehend troublemakers swiftly. Anyone found instigating violence or attempting to disrupt the peace will be arrested and prosecuted without hesitation.”
The statement concluded with a call for cooperation and responsible conduct: “The Kwara State Police Command is dedicated to supporting the constitutional rights of all citizens while maintaining peace and security in our state. We urge community leaders and local vigilantes to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent any breakdown of law and order. We call on all persons to conduct themselves with dignity and responsibility to ensure that our society remains peaceful and constructive.”