Oyo police meet community leaders, youths over mayhem

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Kola Sodipo,
on Monday had a meeting with the leaders of various
communities in the state at the state command in Eleyeile,
Ibadan, where discussion was held on the mayhem in the
city two weeks ago.
A policeman was killed in Oke Ado area of Ibadan
during a political rally on November 21 and two days
later, hoodlums set fire to several houses and vehicles at
Born Photo, Popoyemoja, and other areas of Ibadan
threatening people with gun.
Sodipo said it was important to ensure security of lives
and properties ahead of the 2015 elections, warning that
any act of violence would not be tolerated during the
elections in the state and even after the exercise.
While briefing newsmen after the meeting, Sodipo said
the command responded swiftly to the situation and that
those who were arrested have been charged to court.
He said, “The meeting was called because of the build-up
of the security situation in the country. We are moving
into the thick of political period and you are all aware that
about two weeks ago, there was problem in Born Photo
area of Ibadan and its environs.
“We have made 16 arrests and charged them to court.
We are still searching for others who were involved in
the violence. Our response was perfect and that was why
we were able to put a stop to the mayhem.”
Sodipo also appealed to the public to support police effort
by volunteering information about shady activities in their
communities.
“We know that we cannot protect lives and property
without help from members of the public especially the local
security groups. That is why we called them together. The
youths will be invited on Tuesday because they are
vulnerable. We need to talk to them and tell them that we
need peace in Oyo State. We have talked to the
politicians and we are still going to invite them for another
round of meeting,” he added.