THE police in Ondo State have called for calm following a sting operation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the state capital last Saturday.
In a statement, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said: “The Command has been inundated with complaints about the recent sting operations carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Akure the Ondo State capital and the controversies generated.
“The police on receipt of the information on the sting operations at about 3:30a.m. of June 9, made contact with relevant stakeholders to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order in the state.
“The state government and the Inspector-General of Police have been informed and are taking steps to ensure that all concerns are addressed without prejudice.
“Thus, the command calls for peace to allow relevant authorities look into the matter with a view to addressing the complaints and concerns of aggrieved residents.
“The command recognises the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest but this rights must be exercised without breach of public order and non infringement on the rights of other law abiding citizens, as the police owe it a duty to protect the rights of all citizens and foreign nationals resident within or transiting through the State at all times.
“We appeal to the good people of Ondo State especially the youth who claimed to have been adversely affected by the sting operation to act with restraint and comport themselves within the ambits of the laws of the land. While urging victims and their sympathizers to calm their frayed nerves and follow laid down procedures in channeling their complaints to appropriate authorities for possible redress and not embark on a self help mission that can lead to break down of law and order in the state.”
