The Osun State Police Command has condemned the recent vandalisation and destruction of campaign billboards and other government symbols across the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, described the incidents as criminal acts capable of disturbing public peace.
The Command said it “strongly condemns in totality the recent acts of vandalisation and destruction of billboards and other government symbols within the state.”
It warned that the acts constituted “a direct attack on public property, constituted authority, and the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Osun State,” and warned that such incidents could incite tension and cause unnecessary unrest.
According to the statement, the destruction of public property undermines ongoing efforts aimed at sustaining stability across the state. It noted that the incidents were capable of disrupting law and order if not promptly addressed.
The police urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their activities within the ambit of the law and in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“They are advised to play according to the rules by embracing peaceful engagement, political tolerance and lawful conduct, while refraining from acts capable of causing breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement read.
CP Gotan, warned individuals or groups involved in the acts to desist immediately, stating that the Command would not tolerate any form of criminality capable of disrupting public peace.
He said the police had commenced discreet investigations into the incidents with a view to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible in accordance with the law.
Members of the public were advised to remain law-abiding and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while reporting suspicious movements or persons linked to such acts to the nearest police station.
The Command also assured residents of its commitment to the protection of lives and property, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in preserving public infrastructure and maintaining peace across Osun State.
It had earlier reported that the Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Accord had traded accusations over the vandalisation of campaign billboards across the state, with each side alleging responsibility against the other.
In separate statements, the Osun Accord described the incidents as deliberate acts of vandalism and alleged that they were carried out by individuals linked to the APC.
The Osun APC on its part dismissed the allegations, describing them as false and politically motivated and also accused the state government and its allies of engaging in self-vandalism to discredit the opposition political parties.
DailyPost / Omowunmi Adewuyi
