By Joshua Oladipo & By Olajide Idowu
IN A BID to avoid breakdown of law and order in Osun, heavy security was deployed to some strategic locations in the state capital, Osogbo, on Thursday as the nationwide protest began.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that joint security patrols, comprising the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Amotekun Corps were seen as early as 7:00 a.m., in their vehicles moving to their strategic locations.
Also, the precinct of the Osun Government House was fortified with security personnel from the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
The protesters, who had earlier assembled at the popular old garage, marched through the metropolis bearing placards with various inscriptions enroute the Osun State Government Secretariat at Abere.
The protesters were also seen gathered at the Olaiya overhead bridge carrying placards with different inscriptions to show their grievance as regards the state of the country’s economy
NAN reports that the protesters were given security cover by personnel of the Department of State Service (DSS), NSCDC and police.
The street leading from the popular Nelson Mandela Freedom Park to Olaiya and its surrounding, witnessed heavy security presence to avoid breakdown of law and order.
They later moved towards Ogo Oluwa area leading to the state government secretariat.
NAN recalls that the Commissioner of Police in Osun, Mohammed Umar Abba, had emplaced all necessary security measures ahead of the planned nationwide protest slated from Aug. 1 to Aug. 10.
The police command and other security agencies in the state had earlier embarked on Operation Show of Force/Strength with heavily armed personnel in patrol vehicles going round major parts of the metropolis to show their readiness to maintain law and order.
The operation was coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Abayomi Shogunle.
The CP had also assured the residents of its readiness to ensure that the protest was orderly and peaceful.
Meanwhile, commercial banks and shops in Osogbo were on Thursday shut owing to the ongoing protest.
A NAN correspondent, who went round the town, reports that commercial banks, shopping malls and major stores were under lock and key.
The ever-bubbling Osun Mall was also shut, while there was heavy presence of security personnel, comprising the army, police and NSCDC within the mall premises.
One of the security personnel, who spoke with NAN under anonymity, said that the presence of security personnel at the mall was to prevent looting, as it happened during the 2020 the EndSARS protest.
Also, the popular Akindeko market, MDS shopping complex and Orisunmbare market were also not opened for business.
The state secretariat in Abere was also deserted, with very few workers within the premises.
Security personnel were also seen at some strategic locations within the state capital, while others were patrolling the major roads.
NAN, however, reports that there were vehicular movements, while the environment was relatively peaceful.
As at the time of filing this report, the protesters were already at the popular Freedom Park, preparatory to carrying out their protest.
NAN reports that the state government had, on Tuesday, directed all the primary and secondary schools across the state to proceed on vacation due to the nationwide protest. (NAN)
