2019: Don’t encourage your aides to carry prohibited firearms – Oyo Police warn politicians

The Oyo State Police command has warned politicians in the state to
desist from carrying prohibited firearms or arming their aides,
associates with all categories of prohibited firearms ahead of the
2019 general elections.

The Command gave this warning while reacting to Saturday's incident in
Oyo town, where an aide of one of the senatorial aspirants reportedly
opened fire which led to the death of about two people.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adekunle Ajisebutu in a
statement sent to DAILY POST, Tuesday morning while insisting that the
suspects arrested in connection with the incident will soon be charged
to court after investigation, added that the police will not spare
anyone in dealing with thugs or anyone found fomenting trouble ahead
of the general elections.

Ajisebutu in the statement said, "Consequent upon the unfortunate but
avoidable killing of three innocent victims and injuring of one other
by a trigger-happy bodyguard of a Senatorial aspirant during Oranyan
festival held in Oyo town of the state on Saturday 8th September,
2018, the Oyo State Police Command is using this medium to warn
politicians and their supporters to carry out their political
activities with propriety.

"The police will deal ruthlessly with any politician, political thug
and anyone involved in acts capable of causing breakdown of law and
order in any part of the state".

He, however, warned politicians against arming their aides or
associates with dangerous weapons.

Ajisebutu said, "Politicians are further warned against arming their
aids, associates, supporters or encouraging them to use or be in
possession of prohibited firearms or any dangerous weapons as the
Police are resolved to bring the full weight of the law to bear on
them.

"The Commissioner of Police wishes to reiterate earlier directive of
the Inspector – General of Police on proliferation of illegal arms and
ammunition across the country and the need to withdraw them from
circulation.

"Therefore, politicians, individuals, groups, associations or
organisations still in possession of such illegal lethal arms and
ammunition are warned in their own interest to submit them to the
nearest Police Station or formation immediately. Failure to do this
will result in severe consequences as such erring individuals or
groups will be arrested and prosecuted.

"While the Oyo State Police Command expresses condolences to the
families of the deceased and those injured, the general public is
hereby assured of speedy justice.

"The two suspects arrested in connection with the reckless shooting
will be properly arraigned in court as soon as investigation is
concluded".