Shasha Crisis: IGP Deploys Anti-Riot Policemen, Helicopter To Oyo State

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has deployed additional assets to Oyo State to combat the communal clashes witnessed recently in Oyo State.

The deployment consists of four (4) Units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), seasoned operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and one (1) operational/surveillance Police helicopter from the Police Air-wing.

It will be recalled the recent clash between Hausa speaking people and the Yorubas at Shasha Market area of Ibadan, Oyo State, forced the state government to impose a curfew in the area.

The governor also ordered the immediate closure of the market until further notice.

However, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, CP Frank Mba in a statement on Monday, titled, ‘Oyo crisis: IGP deploys intervention and stabilization forces,’ said additional operatives have been dispatched to the state to restore peace and calm in affected areas.

Naija News reports the Deputy-Inspector-General in charge of South-West, David Folawiyo, will coordinate the operations.

The statement reads: “IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni, has ordered the immediate deployment of Police Intervention and Stabilization Forces to Oyo State to reclaim the public space, reinforce security and bolster public confidence in the areas affected by the recent crisis in the State.”

“The deployments, consisting largely of intelligence and operational assets of the Force, include four (4) Units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), seasoned operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and one (1) operational/surveillance Police helicopter from the Police Air-wing.”

The Intervention Force is charged with the responsibility of reinforcing and stabilizing security in the State, preventing further breakdown of law and order, protecting lives and properties and ultimately enhancing public safety and general security in the State.

The Intervention Force is being coordinated by a Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG David Folawiyo, mni who is expected to mobilize all relevant stakeholders towards achieving the mandate of the squad.

The IGP assures that the Force is committed to the safety of lives and properties of the citizens in the country. He calls on the citizens and residents of Oyo State and other Nigerians to embrace peace and cooperate with the Police and the security community as they redouble their efforts in ensuring that sustainable peace and security are restored to the affected areas.”

Meanwhile, not less than 45 passengers escaped death on Monday when a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle conveying them suddenly caught fire in Lagos State.

The incident happened close to Anthony Bus stop according to information made available to Naija News.

All passengers on board were, however, able to escape to safety but some sustained varying degrees of injury while trying to escape.

The development was later confirmed by the acting zonal coordinator, southwest office, of the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye.

He said the incident happened around 11 am while the bus was conveying passengers to the TBS Terminal.