Oyo Police Engage Political Party Leaders, Vow Thorough Investigation Into Agbaje Market Violence
The Oyo State Police Command has engaged political party leaders and other stakeholders across the state, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and security and assuring a thorough investigation into the recent violence at Agbaje Market during a political gathering.
The engagement was part of the Command’s proactive measures to sustain existing security gains and prevent political activities from degenerating into violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji emphasised the need for peaceful political participation, mutual respect and strict adherence to the law. He warned that political disagreements must not be allowed to threaten public peace, undermine security or jeopardise efforts to maintain a safe and peaceful environment across the state.
Commending the Command for its timely intervention and proactive approach, representatives of political parties and other stakeholders described the engagement as a necessary step towards preventing political violence.
They specifically called for a thorough investigation into the recent violence at Agbaje Market, urging the police to ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law. The stakeholders also pledged their cooperation and support for the Command’s efforts to maintain peace and security throughout the electioneering period.
In a related development, the women’s caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the party’s Women Leader, Dr Adekemi Opatunde, alongside an aspirant, visited the Police Headquarters to commend the Command’s proactive approach to political security.
The delegation also pledged to cooperate and collaborate with the police to ensure peaceful political activities throughout the electioneering period.
Receiving the delegation, the Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s readiness to work with all political parties and their supporters without prejudice. He urged political leaders to notify the police of their planned activities to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent a recurrence of incidents such as the violence witnessed at Agbaje Market.
Addressing the incident, the police commissioner assured the delegation and the general public that the Command would leave no stone unturned in investigating the violence, identifying those involved and ensuring that anyone found culpable is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He stressed that the investigation would be conducted professionally and fairly, with due regard for the rule of law.
The Command consequently urged political party leaders, aspirants, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully, refrain from inflammatory statements and provocative actions, and promptly notify the police of planned political gatherings to facilitate adequate security arrangements.
It stressed that political ambition must not be pursued at the expense of human lives, public order and the collective security of the state.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, impartiality and the protection of lives and property, urging all political stakeholders to treat peaceful political participation as a shared responsibility as the state prepares for the forthcoming general elections.