By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
Ahead of the national protest scheduled to begin tomorrow, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has deployed 2,050 personnel across the state to monitor developments and prevent attacks on critical assets and infrastructure in the state.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, directed all commands and zonal commands of the Service to take necessary precautions.
The Commandant of the NSCDC, Osun State Command, Michael Akintayo Adaralewa, during a press conference at the command headquarters in Osogbo, warned anyone planning to attack public utilities in Osun to reconsider or face the full wrath of the law.
He urged personnel to ensure that the protest is not hijacked by miscreants and mischief-makers who intend to cause chaos in the nation. Adaralewa said: “I stand before you today as the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, to address the planned protest in the state and the country at large.
“We acknowledge the current economic hardship, but I urge citizens to be patient with the current administration. Remember, these challenges are not unique to Nigeria, and we must work together to find solutions.
“Our dear country is at a very crucial juncture. The planned protest across the country is a testament to the constitutional rights of citizens; however, we must ensure that these expressions are peaceful and do not infringe on the rights of others.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, under my watch, is committed to maintaining law and order while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
“As you are aware, the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure is one of the core mandates of the Corps. Hence, the state command has deployed 2,050 personnel to provide adequate security for lives and property.
“The personnel deployed for this important assignment have been briefed accordingly. They will conduct themselves in a manner that respects fundamental human rights, upholds the dignity of all individuals, and follows international best practices.
“I also want to call on youths and other groups participating in this planned protest to respect the rights of non-protesters and avoid actions that could disrupt their daily activities. They should not block major roads or highways.
“I urge protesters to refrain from destroying critical national assets, as such actions can have devastating consequences. As seen during the EndSARS protest, our nation is yet to recover from its effects. These assets are crucial to our nation’s development and prosperity.
“I want to reiterate that protesters must conduct their activities within the bounds of the law. We warn against property destruction, looting, or any form of violence, as anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.
“I also want to encourage citizens to provide proactive intelligence if they suspect any group plans to hijack the protest or engage in destructive behavior.
“The NSCDC has mapped out strategic locations and personnel have been deployed to prevent any form of disruption. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our strategy as needed.
“At this juncture, I want to urge parents and guardians to caution their wards and let them know the essence of engaging in peaceful protests, respecting the rights of others, and avoiding any behavior that could lead to harm or destruction.
“I urge the law-abiding people of Osun State to remain calm, go about their daily activities, and report any suspicious behavior to the NSCDC or any security agency in their vicinity.
“In conclusion, we are committed to maintaining peace and order while respecting the rights of citizens. Let’s work together to build a prosperous and harmonious nation.”