The Ondo state Police command has urged youths in the state to act with restraint and comport themselves within the ambits of the laws following the faceoff between them and the EFCC in Akure.
Recall that the EFCC raided some clubs in Akure over the weekend and arrested 127 people.
The invasion of the EFCC operatives did not sit well with residents of the state, as some youths on Monday in Akure protested against the action of the anti-graft agency.
In a statement signed by police spokesperson Funmi Odunlami, she explained that “the Command is inundated with complaints about the recent sting operations carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Akure, the Ondo State capital, and the controversies generated.
According to the Police, the Inspector-General of Police and the state government have been informed and are taking steps to ensure that all concerns are addressed without prejudice.
“The Police, on receipt of the information on the sting operations at about 03:30hrs of 09/06/2024, made contact with relevant stakeholders to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order in the state.
“Thus, the Command calls for peace to allow relevant authorities to look into the matter with a view to addressing the complaints and concerns of aggrieved residents.”
The statement further stated that “the Command recognizes the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest, but these rights must be exercised without breaching public order and infringing on the rights of other law-abiding citizens, as the Police owe it a duty to protect the rights of all citizens and foreign nationals resident within or transiting through the State at all times.
“We appeal to the good people of Ondo State, especially the youths who claimed to have been adversely affected by the sting operation, to act with restraint and comport themselves within the ambits of the laws of the land.
“While urging victims and their sympathizers to calm their frayed nerves and follow laid down procedures in channeling their complaints to appropriate authorities for possible redress and not embark on a self-help mission that can lead to a breakdown of law and order in the State.
