Campaign Billboard Destruction: Oyo Police To Commence Investigation

The Oyo State Police Command is set to investigate incidents of vandalisation and destruction of campaign billboards by suspected criminal elements within the state.

This was contained in a press statement by the Commissioner of Police, Oyo Command, Adebowale Williams and signed and made available by the command spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso on Monday, November 14, 2022, in Ibadan.

This decision by the Oyo Police Command is coming on the heels of the reportedly increasing destruction of campaign billboards of political parties.

Also, it became necessary because an unidentified person was reportedly executed while destroying a campaign billboard last week.

Williams stated that the law enforcement agency will not condone such an act any longer.

Osifeso stated in the release that the State Police Command under CP Adebowale Williams has resolved to leave no stone unturned in its quest for the sustainability of the relative peace and tranquillity enjoyed in the state.

He said Williams has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to commence full-scale investigations into the alleged destruction of party billboards in some parts of the state, over the weekend by some unscrupulous and criminal-minded agents of mischief and anarchy.

The Commissioner of Police also warned political leaders and other stakeholders to control their loyalists and supporters to refrain from aggression and violence.

"Anyone caught destroying billboards, disturbing public peace or inciting violence through deeds or otherwise shall be decisively dealt with, in accordance with relevant laws and statutes of the federation."

The Oyo Police boss also appealed to parents and guardians to prevail on their wards against being used as canon fodder and destructive tools by politicians.

“To this end, political bigwigs and other stakeholders are hereby warned to put a leash on their overzealous loyalists and supporters who are driven by the ideologies of enforcing dominance and territorialism through needless aggression and violence.

“We appeal yet again to parents, guardians and leaders of varying degrees of influence to prevail on their wards against being used as canon fodder and destructive tools.

“The command warns that anyone caught destroying billboards disturbing the peace or inciting violence through deeds or otherwise shall be decisively dealt with in accordance with relevant laws and statutes of the federation.

“Lastly, the good citizens of Oyo State are encouraged to provide credible and timely information capable of nipping crime in the bud to the police with the assurances of treating such with the utmost discretion.

“In cases of emergency, the command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (toll-free) (OYO STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND), and Oyo State Police Command emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614.

“The NPF rescue me app is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively,” Osifeso stated in the release.