We are ready to protect peaceful, lawful protesters – Oyo Police Command

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ayodele Sonubi, says the Command is ready to provide adequate protection for peaceful and lawful protesters in the state.

Sonubi stated this on Monday in Ibadan during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Command’s preparations for the planned nationwide protest slated for Aug. 1.

NAN reports that the meeting was attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, transport unions, the National Association of Nigerian Students, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, among others.

Osinubi said that the Police in the state acknowledged the undebatable right of the citizens to engage in peaceful protest, which must not, however, turn violent.

He said it was imperative for those carrying out the protest to ensure it was peaceful and violence-free.

The Police commissioner said that the Command was prepared to give adequate protection to those carrying out peaceful protests and would not hesitate to deal with anyone who turned the protest to violence.

“When a protest turns violent, it is criminal to the Police at that point and we will need to deal with the situation as it arises.

“There is no law enforcement agency that will allow criminality to have its way. The moment it turns violent, the law will turn its face and act appropriately,” Sonubi said.