- DIG in charge of South-West, David Folawiyo to coordinate Operations
The Inspector General of Police Adamu has ordered the immediate deployment of Police Intervention and Stabilization Forces to Oyo State.
A statement by Police spokesman,CP Frank Mba said team are to immediately reclaim public space, reinforce security and bolster public confidence in the areas affected by the recent crisis in the State.
The deployments the statement states consist largely of intelligence and operational assets of the Force, including four (4) Units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), seasoned operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and one (1) operational/surveillance Police helicopter from the Police Air-wing department.
According to CP Mba, the Intervention Force is charged with the responsibility of reinforcing and stabilizing security in the State, preventing further breakdown of law and order, protecting lives and properties and ultimately enhancing public safety and general security in the State.
A Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG David Folawiyo, who will be coordinating the team, is expected to mobilize all relevant stakeholders towards achieving the mandate of the squad.
The IGP however called on the citizens and residents of Oyo State and other Nigerians to embrace peace and cooperate with the Police and the security community as they redouble their efforts in ensuring that sustainable peace and security are restored to the affected areas.
The crises in Ibadan reportedly started on Thursday last week when a cart pusher stabbed a cobbler with a knife, following a misunderstanding between the two.
A fight broke out between cart pushers and cobblers after the victim was confirmed dead in a hospital on Friday morning, as the cobblers vowed to avenge the death of their colleague.
Shops and houses were burnt in the ensuing disturbance which degenerated into an inter-ethnic clash with reports of hoodlums attacking themselves along ethnic lines.
The state Governor had on friday ordered a curfew in the area to further prevent breakdown of law and order.No fewer than three persons have lost their lives in the crises.
