The Ondo State Police Command has raised concerns over a planned protest scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, by the Take It Back Movement and its affiliates, urging the organizers to reconsider their approach.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the Command said it had received credible intelligence about the proposed demonstration and warned that the timing was inappropriate, considering the current economic challenges and ongoing efforts to maintain security in the state.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, the police cautioned that the protest could be hijacked by miscreants, potentially leading to unrest and undermining recent security gains in Ondo.
“The Command is concerned that such a gathering could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to a breakdown of law and order,” the statement read. “We urge the leadership of the Take It Back Movement and their supporters to embrace dialogue rather than street protests that could escalate tensions.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfried Olutokunbo Afolabi, has reportedly directed all Area Commanders, Tactical Team Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers to increase security presence in public spaces and around critical infrastructure to prevent any breach of peace.
The police further called on parents and guardians to caution their children against involvement in actions that could disrupt public order, assuring residents that adequate security measures are in place to protect lives and property.
Residents were also encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or security agency.