Oyo condemns attack on enforcement team

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority on Friday condemned an attack on its enforcement team during a lawful operation in the Ilua area of Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area of the state, assuring residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property.

A statement issued by the Chairperson of the authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), in Ibadan, said the attack occurred at about 6:30 am on Friday while the enforcement team was carrying out an operation to enforce the provisions of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulations Law, 2019, against alleged violators.

Aderemi said, “The first attack occurred at the team’s operational point in Ilua, where suspected herders allegedly confronted the officers and pointed firearms at them.

“The security operatives attached to the enforcement team, who were providing security cover for the operation, promptly took measures to ensure the safety of personnel and withdrew from the immediate danger zone.

“The team subsequently came under a second attack around the Palace axis as they proceeded along Iseyin Road into Okeho town. The officers responded by taking cover, assessing the situation and adopting necessary safety measures.”

The authority disclosed that the incident had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force, which was handling the situation.

She described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable, noting that it posed a threat not only to the safety of law enforcement personnel but also to the rule of law and peaceful coexistence in the state.

“This attack is cruel and heartbreaking. It is an attack not just on our officers, but on the rule of law and the peace of our dear state,” the chairperson added.

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Aderemi reassured residents that the authority remained committed to carrying out its statutory responsibilities while taking necessary measures to safeguard the lives of its personnel and members of the public.

“We want to assure all citizens of their safety while we carry out our operations. We will not be deterred,” she maintained.

The chairperson warned individuals or groups engaging in acts capable of disrupting public peace, destroying property or threatening human lives to desist, stressing that the state would not tolerate actions that undermine law and order.

She reiterated the authority’s determination to enforce the state’s laws within the ambit of the law and called on residents to cooperate with relevant security agencies in maintaining peace and security across the state.

“The state government urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the appropriate security authorities continue to address the incident,” she advised.