The Oyo State Police command has warned politicians in the state to desist from carrying prohibited firearms or arming their aides, associates with all categories of prohibited firearms ahead of the 2019 general elections.
The Command gave this warning while reacting to Saturday’s incident in Oyo town, where an aide of one of the senatorial aspirants reportedly opened fire which led to the death of about two people.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adekunle Ajisebutu in a statement sent to DAILY POST, Tuesday morning while insisting that the suspects arrested in connection with the incident will soon be charged to court after investigation, added that the police will not spare anyone in dealing with thugs or anyone found fomenting trouble ahead of the general elections.
Ajisebutu in the statement said, “Consequent upon the unfortunate but avoidable killing of three innocent victims and injuring of one other by a trigger-happy bodyguard of a Senatorial aspirant during Oranyan festival held in Oyo town of the state on Saturday 8th September, 2018, the Oyo State Police Command is using this medium to warn politicians and their supporters to carry out their political activities with propriety.
“The police will deal ruthlessly with any politician, political thug and anyone involved in acts capable of causing breakdown of law and order in any part of the state”.
He, however, warned politicians against arming their aides or associates with dangerous weapons.
Ajisebutu said, “Politicians are further warned against arming their aids, associates, supporters or encouraging them to use or be in possession of prohibited firearms or any dangerous weapons as the Police are resolved to bring the full weight of the law to bear on them.
“The Commissioner of Police wishes to reiterate earlier directive of the Inspector – General of Police on proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition across the country and the need to withdraw them from circulation.
“Therefore, politicians, individuals, groups, associations or organisations still in possession of such illegal lethal arms and ammunition are warned in their own interest to submit them to the nearest Police Station or formation immediately. Failure to do this will result in severe consequences as such erring individuals or groups will be arrested and prosecuted.
“While the Oyo State Police Command expresses condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured, the general public is hereby assured of speedy justice.
“The two suspects arrested in connection with the reckless shooting will be properly arraigned in court as soon as investigation is concluded”.
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