Police warn against planned protest in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has warned against a planned protest allegedly linked to a group identified as the “Congress of Cultists,” reportedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe.

The Command, in a statement issued on Sunday by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that it would not allow any individual or group to disrupt public peace or threaten lives and property.

Ojelabi said a discreet investigation had commenced into a recent killing, adding that useful leads had been obtained while some suspects linked to the incident remained at large.
He urged members of the public with useful information to assist the investigation, assuring them of confidentiality.

According to the statement, “The attention of the Osun State Police Command has been drawn to a notice of protest purportedly issued by a faceless group identified through intelligence as the ‘Congress of Cultists,’ allegedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe.”

“The Command is using this medium to warn any individual or group planning to cause chaos, disturb public peace, or engage in any form of criminality to have a rethink. The police and other security agencies will not fold their hands and allow miscreants to use any opportunity to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and cause the destruction of lives and properties.”

“Our operatives will respond decisively and appropriately to any action capable of threatening the peace and security of the State.”

The Command however advised individuals or groups who may have grievances or disputes with one another to seek lawful means of resolving such issues. No person or group should take the law into their own hands or resort to violence, self-help, or any form of reprisal attack.

Meanwhile, a thorough and discreet investigation has commenced into the recent killing incident. The investigation has yielded useful leads, while some of the suspects identified in connection with the incident are currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to track them down and bring them to justice.

The Osun State Police Command noted that it will not relent in its efforts until all persons found to be involved in the incident are arrested and brought before the appropriate authorities to face the full wrath of the law.

The Command warned that any act capable of causing a breakdown of law and order, threatening lives and property, or disrupting the peace of the State will not be tolerated.

Reacting to the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura calls on parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and responsible members of the public to prevail upon youths and other persons within their communities not to participate in any act capable of destabilising the State.

The Police urged members of the public are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities or movements to the nearest police station or other security agency.

The Osun State Police reiterated that its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and public order across the State.