The Osun State Police Command has sounded the alarm over a planned protest allegedly linked to a group calling itself the “Congress of Cultists”, said to be associated with the Neo-Black Movement, popularly known as Black Axe.
The command warned the organisers and anyone planning to use the protest to cause violence, disrupt public peace or commit crimes to back down.
In a statement on Sunday, the police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, described the group behind the planned protest as “faceless”, saying intelligence available to the command indicated its alleged links to the cult organisation.
The warning comes as police continue investigating a recent killing in the state, with some suspects already identified but still at large.
“The police and other security agencies will not fold their hands and allow miscreants to use any opportunity to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and destruction of lives and properties.
“Our operatives will respond decisively and appropriately to any action capable of threatening the peace and security of the state,” the command said.
The police urged anyone with grievances or disputes to seek lawful means of resolving them instead of resorting to violence, self-help or reprisal attacks.
Giving an update on the killing, the command said investigators had made progress and obtained “useful leads” in the case.
“Meanwhile, a thorough and discreet investigation has commenced into the recent killing incident. The investigation has yielded useful leads, while some of the suspects identified in connection with the incident are currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to track them down and bring them to justice,” the statement added.
The command appealed to residents with information that could assist the investigation to contact the police, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.
It vowed to pursue the suspects and ensure that anyone found culpable was arrested and brought before the appropriate authorities.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, also appealed to parents, traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders to caution youths against taking part in activities capable of throwing the state into crisis.
The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, while reporting suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
The command said it remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and public order across Osun State.
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