By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police Command in Lagos State has ordered the suspension of an Egungun festival in Oregun area of the state over public safety concerns.

The command also apprehended 12 suspects linked to the circulation of posters and social media posts warning residents against free movement in the area during the festival.

The command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Adebisi described the publications as lawless acts capable of inciting fear and restricting citizens’ liberties.

“The materials warned residents and attempted to impose unauthorised movement restrictions ahead of the Oregun traditional Egungun festival scheduled for Nov. 27 and 28.

According to her, no group has the authority to take the law into its own hands or curtail the rights of others.

She said that the command had assessed the tension and anxiety generated among residents following the circulation of the materials and concluded that allowing the festival to proceed would pose significant security risks.

“No festival that can risk destabilising the peace or heightening tension in the state will be permitted under any circumstances,” Adebisi said.

She said that there was a similar incident at Mafoluku, Oshodi, where 12 suspects were apprehended on Nov. 23 after issuing similar publications aimed at disrupting public peace and protection of life and property.

“Those suspects remain under investigation and will be prosecuted upon completion of the inquiry,” she said.

The image maker said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, had ordered the immediate suspension of the festival, citing its potential to disturb public peace, safety, and order.

“CP Jimoh reiterated that the group must desist from holding the festival, noting that security for the event can no longer be guaranteed.

“He said the fear and discomfort already inflicted on residents were unacceptable and warned that anyone attempting to undermine the peace and stability in the state would face the full weight of the law,” she said.

Adebisi urged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear and encouraged the public to report suspicious movements through its emergency numbers: 08063299264, 09053872208, 07061019374, and 08065154338. (NAN)

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