The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of twelve (12) suspects in respect to the violent protest that occurred at Sumal Foods, Oluyole Extension, Ibadan on Monday, 1st July, 2024.
In a statement made available to OYOMIND by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Osifeso Adewale mnipr, said the protest was a result of widespread false information authored by some workers concerning the disbursement of palliatives to private owned companies and firms in Nigeria.
According to him, the workers thought they were being denied the welfare package after which the protest was hijacked by individuals who forced their way into the factory and destroyed properties worth millions.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to set the record straight concerning the disturbing violent protests that rocked one of the factories belonging to Sumal Foods, Oluyole extension Ibadan on Monday, 01/07/2024 around 1600hrs.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the protest was premised on a widespread false information authored and peddled by some of the workers concerning the disbursement of Palliative to all Private owned companies and firms in the Country.
“Their grouse however was that they were being denied the welfare package.
“Sadly, the protest was hijacked by Criminal elements who forced their way into the factory destroying vehicles and property worth millions of naira.
“One death was recorded during the violent protest.
“However, Normalcy has since returned to the affected area with the immediate deployment of Command’s operational and tactical assets to prevent any possible future reoccurrence.
“So far, (12) Twelve Suspects have been arrested in connection with the violent protest.
“Furthermore, the CP has ordered that the entire case be taken up by the Homicide Department of the Criminal Investigation Department with the Deputy Commissioner of Police directly in charge of investigations.
“More updates would be provided accordingly, please.
“In cases of emergencies, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (Toll free) (Oyo State Security Response Center) and Oyo State Police Command Emergency line 08081768614, 09054133071 and 09061299291”.
