The Ekiti Police Command has banned unlawful gatherings, demonstrations or protests, stressing the need to sustain a peaceful atmosphere and ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.

The state commissioner of police, Akinwale Adeniran, in a statement he signed but issued by the command’s spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, also sought more support, collaboration and obedience to law and order.

According to him, the intelligence report has it that some unscrupulous individuals have plans to hide under the guise of protest to unleash mayhem.

“Any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration or protest is unacceptable as intelligence report available has it that some unscrupulous individuals have planned to hide under this protest to hijack it and unleash mayhem and create apprehension in the state.

“Parents and guardians are, therefore, implored to advise their wards to shun any act that is inimical to the peace and security of the state, as anyone who runs foul of this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

The warning came as the Omoyele Sowore-led Take It Back movement announced a nationwide and global protest in demand for the release of activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was abducted and remanded in prison over Ekiti strongman Afe Babalola’s defamation petition.

The planned protest followed the arrest and detention of Mr Farotimi over a petition by Mr Babalola, alleging the activist defamed him.

Meanwhile, the CP thanked residents for supporting and collaborating with the police in 2024, assuring them of their safety during the yuletide.

“These have assisted tremendously in nipping crime in the bud and enhancing the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in the state,” he said.

Mr Adeniran said the command had also banned the sale and use of fireworks, knockouts and firecrackers.

He also stated that fireworks could create panic and confusion, as it could be difficult to differentiate their sounds from the real gunshots.

The police commissioner urged residents to be security conscious and promptly report any untoward incident or observation that might be inimical to the peace and security of the state to the nearest police station or call 08062335577.

(NAN)