#EndSARS: Governor Oyetola says protest causing panic

Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has lamented that the #EndSARS protest was hampering the economy of the state and causing panic among the people. He warned youths, who are genuine protesters to be focus and be wary of political thugs and hoodlums that are vandalizing and looting other people’s property under the guise of […]

Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has lamented that the #EndSARS protest was hampering the economy of the state and causing panic among the people.

He warned youths, who are genuine protesters to be focus and be wary of political thugs and hoodlums that are vandalizing and looting other people’s property under the guise of ENDSARS protest.

• #EndSARS: Police stations deserted, pupils shun schools in Osun
• #EndSARS protesters ground commercial activities at Lagos seaports

Oyetola insisted that the protest was a legitimate venture in a democracy and warned youths to be wary of unscrupulous elements that seem to be steadily hijacking the movement in the State.

“Youths should be careful because the core protesters’ ranks has been infiltrated by thieves, looters and vandals who went as far as attacking private businesses in Osun Mall.

“Please, reconsider the way the economy is being hampered and the fear that has been created in other citizens of the State, and let’s stay focused with our demands.

“Don’t let hoodlums defeat the purpose of this movement”, Oyetola said.

• Children abandon schools

Many parents in Osogbo said they did not allow their children go to school for fear of attack by hoodlums as Police stations were deserted and policemen apprehensive.

Our correspondent overheard a senior police officer warning Policemen not to wear their uniforms until further notice.

There was no military deployment and no one prevented the protesters as police and other security agencies stayed away from protesters.

 

• ‘Don’t buy the phones’

The Police Public Relations Office for Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, has warned residents not to buy phones from unauthorized sellers in Osun to avoid buying from phones stolen from Osun Mall after it was vandalised on Saturday.

“Don’t buy any phone from anyone from Osogbo except a verified store either new iPhone Or UK used and Android devices.

“Some hoodlums entered Osun mall and carted phones away from three different stores.

“Don’t be unfortunate. Warm your relatives and loved ones too.”

Residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, were apprehensive of breach of peace again as #EndSARS protesters resumed after one day break following the attack on the State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, by hoodlums that infritrated the protest.

Immediately the protesters converged at the popular Olaiya junction on Monday, shop owners closed their shops for fear of looting, thereby paralysing commercial activities.

The protesters blocked the Olaiya junction and prevented vehicular movement in the area.

This led to serious traffic congestions in many parts of Osogbo as motorists took alternative roads which have no capacity for such huge traffic.