Economic hardship: Police warn residents over planned protest in Ekiti

The Ekiti State Police Command has warned residents planning to embark on a protest in Ekiti state over the current economic hardship in the country.

There has been a series of demonstrations by youths and residents from major states in the country over excruciating economic situations resulting in the rise of commodities, especially food items.

The commissioner of police in the state, Adeniran Akinwale who spoke during a stakeholders’ engagement explained that the command would not allow the peace currently being enjoyed to be truncated under the guise of a protest scheduled for Friday.

Akinwale who acknowledged the rights of the citizens to protest, however, said the planned action by an unknown group could be hijacked by hoodlums to cause mayhem in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Abutu Sunday in a statement said the CP has reiterated his readiness to ensure the safety of lives and property and also maintain law and order in the state.

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The statement reads, “According to the CP, while the Police recognise the constitutional rights of the citizens to protest or gather peacefully, a situation where such protest or gathering could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements and consequently endangering the lives and property of innocent citizens and the government as well as jeopardizing the current fragile peace in the Country and by extension, Ekiti State, will be unacceptable.

“The CP, while speaking, enjoined all stakeholders, parents and peace lovers to warn their wards to be law abiding citizens and shun all acts that could aggregate tension, cause chaos and puncture the current peaceful atmosphere in the State as those found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Additionally, Community leaders and Landlords are advised to be wary of those they give accommodations and harbour within their territories and the embarrassment their infractions could cause the State, as anyone indicted in criminal acts or found harbouring criminals will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly.”

The command advised all citizens, “to be security conscious, vigilant and support the Police and other security agencies with credible and timely information that could help to nip crime in the bud, as the security of our dear society is a collective responsibility.”