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. (NAN)
