Some youths in some areas of Osogbo, Osun state have come out to protest over a midnight raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The youths alleged that EFCC operatives had on Monday night broken into houses at the Hallelujah estate through the walls without arrest warrants and seized about 20 exotic cars during the raid.
Some of the EFCC operatives were ambushed by the suspected fraudsters on their way out after arresting some of their colleagues. This forced the operatives to run and hide for safety to avoid being lynched by the angry youths who set a bonfire at Lameco junction in the state capital.
The youths blocked the Osogbo/Iwo Road around Rasco Hotel forcing motorists passing through that route to take an alternative route. They were later dispersed from the road but later regrouped at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park via Old Garage in Osogbo to demand the release of those arrested.
The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola confirming the incident, said they have been trying to control the situation from further escalation.
She said,
“We are aware of the situation, we are now trying to appease the protesters and clear the bonfire so that people can go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment.”
Meanwhile, the Osun state government has intervened in the incident. The Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Hon. Yemi Lawal addressing the youths at the Freedom Park urged them to be calm.
He said,
“I am here today to beg you that you should not fight each other and not to block roads during the protest.
“I am here to listen and attend to your grievances on behalf of the government. I will go to Ibadan now to see the people that were arrested. Please don’t be violent, I beg you.”
One of the leaders of the protesters, who pleaded anonymity said,
“The Commissioner of Youths, Hon. Lawal has called Governor Adegboye Oyetola on the matter and the Governor has ordered him to go to Ibadan, the Zonal office of EFCC, and ensure that those boys are taken back to the state. After that time they can now arrest them legally.”
