The Ondo State Police Command has urged political parties and their supporters to maintain peace and respect each other as the state prepares for its upcoming governorship election on November 16.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo, Abayomi Oladipo, made the appeal while parading 12 suspects arrested for various crimes, including murder, arson, armed robbery, and theft, during a press briefing in Akure on Thursday.
Oladipo acknowledged some reports of intimidation in the lead-up to the election, emphasizing, “I want to categorically state that any form of intimidation or harassment will not be tolerated.
“I urge all political figures, particularly those seeking office, to promote respect and cooperation among their supporters.
“This will serve as an enabling ground for a peaceful exercise and, in general, a peaceful Ondo State for all,” he said.
The commissioner highlighted the police command’s recent achievements in combating serious crimes, noting arrests in cases of murder, robbery, theft, and other offenses. Recovered items included firearms, electronics, and gas cylinders.
“In the past few weeks, two suspects were arrested for murder, one for arson; four for stealing; one for attempted robbery; two for armed robbery and two for burglary and stealing.
“Items recovered include three cut-to-size single barrel guns, one Dane gun, one motorcycle, one LG TV, one standing fan, three scales, and one vulcanizer machine.
“Others are 6kg cylinder, 50kg filled cylinder, 40kg cylinder, five 5kg cylinder, three 3kgs, 12kg cylinder and cable wires among others,” he said.
The Ondo police remain committed to upholding security and ensuring the safety of lives and property throughout the state, Oladipo added.
