The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Etaifo, has issued a strong warning to individuals and groups against attempting to forcefully take over local government secretariats, premises, or properties across the state, cautioning that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted without exception.
Etaifo issued the warning on Monday in Osogbo, the state capital, following reports that certain groups were planning to seize control of local government secretariats even as related matters remain pending before the courts. In his address, the commissioner stressed that no individual, political group, or association has the right to use force or resort to self-help measures to take over a local government council or any other public institution, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the dispute.
The warning comes against the backdrop of ongoing tension in some parts of the state over the control of local government administration, a situation that has reportedly heightened following disputes that are currently being adjudicated in court. Etaifo's statement appears to be a direct response to intelligence reports suggesting that some interested parties may be considering taking matters into their own hands rather than awaiting judicial resolution.
Speaking further, the police commissioner urged all parties involved in the ongoing dispute to exercise restraint and allow the courts to determine the matter through due legal process. He emphasized that Nigeria operates under the rule of law, and that any attempt to bypass legal channels in favor of forceful occupation would not only be unlawful but could also plunge affected communities into unnecessary crisis and instability.
Etaifo also made a broader appeal to parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, political leaders, and youths across the state, urging them to use their influence to advise their supporters and followers against engaging in actions capable of threatening the peace and security currently enjoyed in Osun State. He noted that maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, not just the police alone.
According to the commissioner, the Nigeria Police Force in Osun State remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to maintain law and order throughout the state, regardless of the political undertones surrounding any dispute. He assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place to forestall any breakdown of law and order, particularly around local government facilities that have been identified as potential flashpoints.
Etaifo further warned that any individual or group found attempting to occupy, disrupt, or forcefully take over local government secretariats or related public institutions would be treated as having committed a serious breach of the peace. He stated clearly that such actions would attract immediate arrest and subsequent prosecution in accordance with the law, noting that the police would not hesitate to act against anyone caught in the act, irrespective of political affiliation or backing.
This is not the first time Nigerian states have witnessed tension over the control of local government administration, as disputes of this nature often arise from contested elections, leadership transitions, or disagreements over the legitimacy of appointed or elected officials. Such situations, when not properly managed, have historically led to clashes between rival factions, disruption of governance at the grassroots level, and in some cases, violence that affects ordinary residents who depend on local government services for their daily needs.
Security analysts note that the police commissioner's intervention at this stage is a proactive measure aimed at preventing the situation from escalating into a full-blown security crisis. By clearly stating the consequences of forceful takeover attempts ahead of time, the police appear to be sending a firm signal to all interested parties that such actions will not be tolerated, regardless of who is behind them.
Residents of Osun State, particularly those in areas where local government disputes have been reported, are expected to continue going about their daily activities while the matter is resolved through the appropriate legal channels. The commissioner's appeal for calm suggests that the police are keen on ensuring that the ongoing legal process is allowed to run its full course without interference from any quarter.
As the matter remains before the courts, all eyes will be on how the various parties involved respond to the police warning in the coming days and weeks. For now, the message from the Osun State Police Command is unambiguous: due process must be respected, and any attempt to circumvent the law through force will be met with firm and decisive action from law enforcement.
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*Gist source: GistCity News — follow them on YouTube/Instagram/TikTok @gistcitynews*
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