The Osun State Police Command has warned individuals and groups against any attempt to forcefully take over the administration or premises of Local Government Areas in the state, saying such actions could threaten the prevailing peace.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Commissioner of Police (Election), Samuel Etaifo Erale, said the Command had received reports that some individuals and groups were planning to forcibly assume control of local government councils despite the matter being the subject of ongoing court proceedings.

The police stressed that no individual, political group or association has the right to resort to self-help or use force to take control of any local government area or public institution while the matter remains before the courts.

“The Command wishes to make it clear that no individual, political group or association has the right to resort to self-help or use force to take control of any Local Government Area or public institution while judicial proceedings are ongoing,” the statement said.

The Command urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and allow the judiciary to determine the matter in accordance with the law.

It warned that any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt activities at local government facilities would be treated as a serious breach of public peace.

“Any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt Local Government facilities will be treated as a serious breach of the peace, and offenders will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

The police also appealed to parents, community and traditional rulers, political leaders, youth leaders and other stakeholders to prevail on their supporters to refrain from actions capable of undermining peace, law and order in the state.