Ekiti police rejects planned protest by transport workers, cites public safety

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State Police Command has warned transport unions and other groups against participating in a planned protest scheduled for Monday, saying the action could threaten public peace and security.

The command said intelligence reports at its disposal indicated that some transport workers were mobilising for a demonstration aimed at challenging the existing leadership structure within their unions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said security agencies had uncovered information suggesting that the planned protest could be exploited by hoodlums.

According to the command, such infiltration could trigger violence, public disorder and endanger lives and property across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, therefore cautioned individuals and groups against engaging in any gathering or activity capable of disrupting the prevailing peace in Ekiti.

Falade stressed that the police would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public safety, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

He further advised aggrieved parties to seek lawful and peaceful channels for resolving disputes rather than resorting to protests that could escalate into unrest.

The command assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to maintain order, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.