Go about your lawful businesses, Police tell Ibadan residents

The Police Command in Oyo State on Saturday reassured residents to go about their lawful businesses, in spite of the threat of a nationwide protest to mark June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.The command spokesperson, DSP Adewale Osifeso, told the our correspondent in Ibadan that adequate security had been provided by the police and sister agencies to ensure citizens’ protection.Osifeso, however, denied the claims of bonfire allegedly noticed around Moniya -Ojoo Road, saying everywhere was cool and calm.He said that the command had deployed enough patrol teams, currently patrolling every nook and cranny of the state.“The patrol will be a continuous one, because we understand what today means to Nigeria.“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure there is peace,” he said.Meanwhile, our correspondent who went round Ibadan, the state capital, and other major cities in the state, observed light vehicular and human movements.Reports from Egbeda, Alakia, Adegbayi, Ogungbade, Oluwo, Badeku, Fashade, Ayegun and Awaye, revealed that residents remained in their houses as at about 8:00 a.m., while major markets remained shut.Also, at about 9:00 a.m, some filling stations have not yet opened for the day’s business at Mokola area, though, some traders were seen displaying their wares.At the Monatan-Iwo Road axis, and Ojoo area, a handful of traders opened their shops, with a light movement of people and vehicles.Also, at about 9:00 a.m., the Ring Road – Challenge axis witnessed a light movement of vehicles, with most shops still closed.A number of filling stations in the area had, however, opened for business, just as personnel of the Amotekun security outfit were seen at the Challenge Roundabout and car park area.our correspondent reports that security personnel, particularly soldiers and police officers, were observed patrolling some major flash points, like the Iwo Road roundabout and the Ibadan – Ife tollgate.A cross section of residents told our correspondent that they decided to stay indoor to avoid being caught in a crossfire due to rumours of possible protests by some groups.Commenting, Mr Saidi Alagbe, a commercial driver at Challenge area, said passengers were not coming out due to fear of the proposed protest.“Unlike before, we have been queuing up here since morning waiting for passengers. Many are afraid of going out, because of the protest.“Few taxis that are out waiting for passengers going to Academy, Iwo Road and other places, are still empty due to lack of passengers,” he said.