Shasha market violence: IGP Adamu deploys police special forces, DIG to Oyo

The Nigeria Police has sent special units to Oyo State follow ethnic clashes that claimed at least 20 lives in Shasha area of state capital Ibadan.

Some 5,000 persons have also been displaced in the wake of the Hausa-Yoruba clash that began last Thursday.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West, David Folawiyo, has now been deployed to the state to coordinate security efforts.

This is according to a statement police spokesperson Frank Mba issued in Abuja on Monday.

The deployment, Mba said, was ordered by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu. It followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise to protect all Nigerians from ethnic violence.

IGP Adamu “has ordered the immediate deployment of Police Intervention and Stabilization Forces to Oyo State to reclaim the public space, reinforce security and bolster public confidence in the areas affected by the recent crisis in the state,” the statement reads.

“The deployments, consisting largely of intelligence and operational assets of the Force, include four units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), seasoned operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and one operational/surveillance police helicopter from the Police Air-wing department.

“The Intervention Force is charged with the responsibility of reinforcing and stabilizing security in the state, preventing further breakdown of law and order, protecting lives and properties and ultimately enhancing public safety and general security in the state.

“The Intervention Force is being coordinated by DIG David Folawiyo who is expected to mobilize all relevant stakeholders towards achieving the mandate of the squad.

“The IGP assures that the Force is committed to the safety of lives and properties of the citizens in the country.

“He calls on the citizens and residents of Oyo State and other Nigerians to embrace peace and cooperate with the police and the security community as they redouble their efforts in ensuring that sustainable peace and security are restored to the affected areas.”