The city of Ilorin, Kwara State capital, today remain devoid of meaningful signs of a mass protest going on in spite of the palpable tension whipped up by organizers of a nationwide protest proposed to commence today August 1.
Rextun City Updates drove past the Ilorin metropolitan square, the approved venue for the protest to be held. The over 10,000 capacity facility was quiet and calm. A handful of persons, presumably the organizers of the Kwara version, were however sighted carrying out no meaningful activity.
A passerby who spoke to Rextun City Updates on condition of anonymity, stated that he lived nearby and the residents of areas close to the metropolitan square are indeed happy that Kwarans refuse to join the nationwide protest expected to take place at the square.
” We the residents of this area are happy that Kwarans snubbed the protest, because we have been apprehensive of the havoc restless mobs are capable of doing to any area they are protesting from”
“Although earlier this morning, members of the #TakeItBack movement came to the square and we’re seen speaking to the local press”
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“They later left after awhile when there were no people joining them to swell the numbers of protesters”
Meanwhile, the Kwara state police command has assured the citizens of adequate security measures in place to forestall breakdown of law and order.
In a release made available to newsmen, Wednesday in Ilorin, the spokesperson for the Kwara police command, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi anipr stated that ” the Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the public that comprehensive security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety and security of all residents and participants in the planned peaceful protest.”
“The Nigeria Police Force alongside The Nigeria Military, The Department of State Security Service, The Nigeria Civil Defense Corps, The Nigeria Customs Service, The Nigeria Correctional Service, The Nigeria Immigration Service, and The Federal Road Safety Corps are working in close coordination to cover every nook and cranny of Kwara State, ensuring maximum security presence and rapid response capability.”
“Joint patrols by the various security agencies have and will be conducted to maintain law and order and deter any potential threats while enhanced intelligence operations are in place to identify and neutralize any potential security threats.”
Rextun City Updates reports that the security joint patrols were seen in several parts of the metropolis observing and monitoring situations.
Several private business organizations including Banks and shops were opened for business.
Vehicular and pedestrian traffic, although a little reduced are going smoothly and unhindered .
