Youths protesting against the Police Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) stormed the Oja-Oba Police Station in Osogbo, shouting that the ban by the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu was not enough to address their demand.
The protesters also barricaded the gate of the governor’s office in Osogbo, insisting that President Muhammed Bihari must issue an Executive Order on SARS and that the protest would continue until the President yields to their demand.
The Officer in Charge of the Police Station simply identified as Adewale Adeleke pleaded with the youth not to destroy the station recently renovated through the help of public spirited individuals in the state.
After the appeal by the police officer, the protesters left Oja-Oba Police Station and moved to Osun State House of Assembly and the governor’s office.
The youths demanded transparent prosecution of all erring SARS officers, justice for the people who suffered injustice in the hand of SARS operatives and an end to unjust harassment and extortion of youths by policemen.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Yemi Lawal and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ismail Omipidan gave them audience at the governor’s office.
The SSG told them that their demands would be channelled to appropriate quarters and assured them that their demands would be met.
“We are aware of your plights as youths and as Nigerians. We have listened to your demands and we shall do everything possible within the ambit of the law to address the issues as raised one by one,” he said.
“We will present your requests to appropriate quarters as part of efforts to strengthen peace in the State.
“As a government, we will continue to guarantee the security of lives and property of the citizens and we shall not leave anything to chance.
“We have been maintaining and sustaining the peace. This is what we promised to do and we shall continue to do it.
“We appreciate the way and manner you conducted yourselves. We commend you for this peaceful demonstration.”
