The Osun State Police Command has disclosed that some suspects linked to a recent killing incident in the state are still at large, as it intensified efforts to track them down and bring them to justice.
The Command also warned against any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit the incident to foment violence, stage unlawful protests or embark on reprisal attacks.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said a thorough and discreet investigation into the killing had commenced and that useful leads had already been obtained.
The Command said: “The investigation has yielded useful leads, while some of the suspects identified in connection with the incident are currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to track them down and bring them to justice.”
The development followed a purported notice of protest allegedly issued by a faceless group identified through intelligence as the “Congress of Cultists,” which the police said was allegedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe.
The Command warned that no individual or group would be allowed to take the law into its own hands or use the incident as an excuse to threaten public peace.
It urged those with grievances or disputes to pursue lawful channels of resolution, stressing that violence, self-help and reprisal attacks would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, said security agencies were prepared to respond to actions capable of threatening lives, property and public order.
He said: “Any act capable of causing a breakdown of law and order, threatening lives and property, or disrupting the peace of the State will not be tolerated.”
The Command appealed to residents who might have useful information concerning the killing to assist the police with relevant details.
It assured members of the public that information supplied to the authorities would be treated with the necessary confidentiality.
Zungura also appealed to parents, community leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders to caution youths and other persons within their communities against participating in activities capable of destabilising the state.
The CP urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to report suspicious activities or movements to the nearest police station or other security agency.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and public order throughout Osun State.
