Makinde Orders immediate Depolyment of Operation Burst Too Hot-Spots

Following the recent murder of a protester in Ogbomoso, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has ordered an immediate deployment of men of the state’s joint security task force, Operation Burst to hot-spots in the State.

Expressing his displeasure with the poor handling of the #EndSARS protests in Oyo state, by the Nigeria Police Force, Makinde ordered the force to take the back seat, while other security agencies take the front line in securing lives of protesters.

Makinde in a statement on Monday, opined that peaceful protests are legitimate ways for citizens to make their grievances known. Therefore, harassing them was not ideal.

He revealed that the resolution was jointly taken with other security agencies in the state in an emergency meeting held with heads of security outfits in the State.

While urging residents to go about their legitimate duties, Governor Makinde assured them that henceforth, no further lives would be lost.

Furthermore, he prayed for wisdom to navigate through this trying times, urging protesters to continue to protest peacefully.

Makinde over the weekend called on the authorities of the Force to allow residents of Oyo State to exercise their civic right, by protesting peacefully without fear of being hurt.

Makinde said this while confirming the death of one Jimoh Isiaka, who was shot dead in Ogbomosho during a peaceful #EndSARS protest today.

“I call on all residents of Oyo State to please remain calm. I also call on the Police to allow residents of Oyo State protest peacefully without fear of being assaulted”, he said.

“I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of one of our children, Jimoh Isiaka, who was shot during the ENDSARS protest in Ogbomoso. He later died at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, earlier today”.

Also, he confirmed that at the same protest, Abdulrasaq Olawale, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, and five other persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

“This situation is highly regrettable. I have contacted the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant agencies, and investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident are still ongoing. I pray that God grants the parents of Jimoh Isiaka the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss”.

“The ENDSARS protests are a strong indicator of a systemic failure. It is a failure on the part of those who have been constitutionally empowered to protect the citizens. It again calls into question why State Governors are called Chief Security Officers of their state whereas, they do not have the necessary powers to control the police force”.

Governor Makinde said he will pay a personal visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and I promise to pursue the investigations to a logical conclusion.

“Peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process. The right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution, and I will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights”.

“Again, I express my deepest sympathies to the family of Jimoh Isiaka, may his soul rest in peace”.

 

By Grace Tunji