Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Worried by the spate of the ethnic violence in Oyo State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has deployed some operatives to bring the situation under control.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, who is a Commissioner of Police, disclosed that the police chief said the men and officers would be deployed to the state immediately.
It was stated that the team comprises Police Intervention and Stabilization Forces and their major task is to “reclaim the public space, reinforce security and bolster public confidence in the areas affected by the recent crisis in the state.”
Mr Mba said the special forces would be led by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West region of the country, Mr David Folawiyo.
According to him, “The deployments, consisting largely of intelligence and operational assets of the force, include four units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), seasoned operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and one operational/surveillance police helicopter from the police air-wing department.
“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.
“The Intervention Force is being coordinated by a Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG David Folawiyo, who is expected to mobilise all relevant stakeholders towards achieving the mandate of the squad.
“The IGP assures that the Force is committed to the safety of lives and properties of the citizens in the country. He calls 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 statement said.
