Eleweomo: Police Beef Up Security In Ibadan

Posted by admin Nigerian Police, Oyo, State News Saturday, January 1st, 2011

SECURITY was yesterday beefed up in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by men of the State Police Command for fear of reprisal attack by supporters of the murdered National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Lateef Salako (a.ka. Eleweomo).

This came as the police authorities announced the arrest of two persons in connection with the Thursday killing of Eleweomo.

Besides, the Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin has been invited for questioning on his role in the murder of the late NURTW boss although the Commissioner of Police, Baba Adisa Bolanta said Folarin was yet to honour the invitation as at press time.

Bolanta, who expressed hope that the Senate Leader would honour the invitation, explained that the two suspects currently in their custody were arrested at the scene of the crisis and are already assisting the command in its investigations.

On its part, the state government has faulted the claim by Senator Folarin that two of his aides were killed in the Thursday violence, describing it as a ‘shameful afterthought.’

Meanwhile, security was beefed up in the metropolis particularly at major motor parks to prevent a breakdown of law and order. A combined team of armed policemen and soldiers were seen parading major roads in the state capital while Armoured Personnel Carriers were deployed in violent prone areas.

Commercial activities were at lowest ebb in the state capital as traders and residents stayed indoors for fear of reprisal attacks from loyalists of the deceased NURTW boss.

The government, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Communications, Dotun Oyelade said the claim by the senate leader was a ploy to justify his culpability in the incident.

“The question is: where are the remains of the victims on his side? Just like he and his group beheld with glee the corpse of Eleweomo in public, he should show those of his men too. The congress at the venue was over, INEC officials and others have concluded their assignments before he came charging with his men. The powerful protection of the Senate cannot protect anyone who has fatally abused his privilege in such flagrant manner.”

In a related development, the state government in a statewide broadcast to the people vowed to ensure that perpetrators of Thursday’s killing are brought to book.

In the broadcast by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Layiwola Olakojo, the government said it would not fold its arm while some individuals or groups take the law in their own hands.

At the Akobo residence of the deceased Salako, families and associates including some national leaders of the NURTW fought back tears as sympathisers trooped in to condole with them.

Four big cows were seen tied in the premises with baskets of pepper meant for the deceased’s 58th birthday bash and house warming earlier billed for tomorrow (Saturday). They, however, refused to speak with reporters on the incidence.

Salako was killed at the IDC Primary School, Olunloyo in Ona Ara Local Council Area of the state during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local council congress.

– Guardian

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