Kwara Police Command Warns Protesters Not To Demonstrate In Restricted Areas

The Kwara State Police Command has issued a statement warning ‘End Bad Governance In Nigeria’ protesters in the state not to protest beyond the Metropolitan Square along Asa Dam Road in Ilorin.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Victor Olaiya, on Friday, the force said the General Post Office and any other venues apart from the Metropolitan Square are deemed inappropriate for holding any rally or protest in line with a court ruling.

Note that the Kwara State Magistrates Court granted an ex parte order supporting the restriction of the protest organizers to the designated Metropolitan Square, agreeing that allowing the protest to proceed without such restrictions could lead to violence.

Hence, the police statement urged all citizens wishing to participate in the protest to comply with the court ruling to maintain public order and safety in the state.

The police emphasized the necessity of preventing the protest from being hijacked by miscreants, citing incidents in other states where protests resulted in the loss of lives and properties.

“It is evident that the protests in states like Niger, Borno, Kano, and Yobe have been hijacked, resulting in the loss of lives and properties”, the police statement reads.

“Citizens wishing to exercise their franchise must comply with the recent court ruling in the state.”

The statement added: “We urge all groups to follow the court ruling, which stipulates that protests must take place at the Metropolitan Square along Asa Dam Road. The Post Office is not an approved location for such gatherings.

“We also request that protest leaders meet with the Commissioner of Police to strategise on security measures and ensure the safety of all participants.

“Your cooperation is essential towards maintaining public order and safety in the state.”