OYO POLICE ENGAGE POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS, ASSURE THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO AGB AJE MARKET VIOLENCE

The Oyo State Police Command has convened a stakeholder engagement with representatives of political parties across the state as part of its proactive efforts to sustain the prevailing security gains and prevent political activities from degenerating into violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The engagement provided an avenue for the Command and political stakeholders to deliberate on the need for peaceful political participation, mutual respect, and strict adherence to the law. 

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police emphasised that political disagreements must not be allowed to threaten public peace, undermine security, or reverse the progress made in maintaining a safe and peaceful environment across the state.

Commending the Command for its timely intervention and proactive approach, the political party representatives and other stakeholders described the engagement as a necessary step towards preventing political violence. 

They specifically called for a thorough investigation into the recent violent incident at Agbaje Market during a political gathering, urging the police to ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law. 

They also pledged their cooperation and support for the Command's efforts to maintain peace and security throughout the electioneering period.

In a related development, the women caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the party's Women Leader, Dr. Adekemi Opatunde, alongside an aspirant, visited the Police Headquarters to appreciate the Command's proactive approach to political security. 

The delegation also pledged to cooperate and collaborate with the police to ensure peaceful political activities throughout the electioneering period.

Receiving the delegation, the Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command's readiness to work with all political parties and their supporters without prejudice. 

He urged political leaders to notify the police of their planned political activities to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent a recurrence of incidents such as the violence witnessed at Agbaje Market.

Addressing the incident specifically, the Commissioner of Police assured the delegation and the general public that the Command would leave no stone unturned in investigating the Agbaje Market violence, identifying all those involved, and ensuring that anyone found culpable is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. 

He stressed that the investigation would be guided by professionalism, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.

Against this backdrop, the Command calls on political party leaders, aspirants, supporters, and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully, discourage inflammatory statements and provocative actions, and promptly notify the police of planned political gatherings for necessary security arrangements. 

The Command emphasises that political ambition must not be pursued at the expense of human lives, public order, and the collective security of the state.

The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and the protection of lives and property. 

It urges all political stakeholders to make peaceful political participation a shared responsibility as the state prepares for the forthcoming general elections.

Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615. 

 Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413.