The Oyo State Police Command said it will recommence an aggressive enforcement of all the measures emplaced to combat the spread and defeat of the Corona virus pandemic in the State from Thursday 28th May, 2020. It therefore warned that the dusk to dawn curfew i.e (8pm – 5am) especially in the state, will be vigorously enforced, adding: “All and sundry are therefore enjoined to comply in their own interest without waiting for any form of minimum force as the assessment of the occasion and situation will determine the methodology for the application of minimum force if need be.”

A statement issued on Thursday and signed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Fadeyi Olugbenga, said: “The Commissioner of Police, CP. Shina T. Olukolu psc(+) has observed with dismay, the lackadaisical attitudes of some recalcitrant members of the public who in spite of several warnings, medical advisories e.g. (wearing of face masks) and lawful proclamation of curfew by the Oyo State Government (8pm - 5am) i.e. the dusk to dawn curfew, continues to treat all these measures with disrespect, disdain and low level of compliance.

“The Commissioner of Police wishes to remind all and sundry that the pandemic is real. It is no respecter of persons, status, age, office or religion. It is therefore, part of our civic responsibilities as citizens to comply with the laws of the land as none of us is bigger or higher than the law. In fact, the law is no respecter of any person,” it said, adding, “Consequently, this medium is for the umpteenth time being utilized to warn seriously all recalcitrant members of the public without exceptions (unless those initially exempted).”

The statement noted, “All citizens are also advised in their own interest to refrain from seeking undue concessions or influence peddling to seek special favours from the leadership of the security agencies. For the avoidance of doubts, this reinvigorated enforcement of the measures against the pandemic particularly the curfew, will commence from Thursday 28th May, 2020. The Commissioner of Police, however, enjoined all and sundry, to co-operate with the Police to ensure a hitch free exercise.”

•Oyo State Police Commissioner Shina T. Olukolu