Some hoodlums have vandalised the campaign billboards of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State.
The APC spokesman, Tunde Oladunjoye, raised the alarm last week, describing it as unfortunate.
Our correspondent gathered that the leading opposition party, PDP, has equally suffered the destruction of its billboards by hoodlums.
Miffed by the development, the police yesterday warned political parties in the state to call their members and supporters to order and desist from engaging in any act capable of undermining the peace of the state.
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They said the warning became imperative following the destruction of campaign billboards and posters of candidates of political parties in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, gave the warning in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
According to Oyeyemi, the police would not hesitate to deal with anyone caught in act capable of causing violence and undermining the peace of the state.
He said “The Ogun State Police Command has observed with great concern the activities of some hoodlums, who have been engaging in the destruction of campaign billboards and posters of candidates of political parties in the state.
“Sometime last week, some hoodlums vandalised the campaign billboards of All Progressives Congress (APC) and recently, some hoodlums also embarked on the destruction of campaign billboards of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“In view of this, the command is using this medium to warn those behind this dastardly act to desist forthwith or be ready to face the dire consequences of their actions.
“The command will not tolerate any act of lawlessness in whatever form before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
“Therefore, anyone caught perpetrating any act capable of undermining the peaceful atmosphere in the state will be severely dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“The command is committed and resolved to ensure a violence-free electioneering campaign that will guarantee a free, fair and credible 2023 general elections in the state. Therefore, anyone who attempts to test our resolve in this regard will have him or herself to blame.
“Members of the public are hereby enjoined to promptly report to the police if any act capable of causing violence is noticed in their area.
“Politicians are also by this release to play the game according to the rules, and call their supporters to do same to avoid dire consequences.”