The Osun State Police Command has warned individuals and groups against embarking on a planned protest reportedly linked to the killing of Olalekan Dauda Oyeyemi, popularly known as “Emir,” amid concerns that the demonstration could trigger violence and further worsen tensions in the state.
The warning followed intelligence received by the police concerning a group calling itself the “Congress of Cultists,” which the command said was allegedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe.
According to the police, the group had issued a notice threatening to embark on a protest over Emir’s death and demanding action against those responsible for the killing.
The command described the group behind the notice as faceless and warned that no individual or organisation would be allowed to use the incident as an excuse to cause disorder, attack others or engage in reprisal violence.
The police said the planned action could create another security crisis in the state, particularly because the circumstances surrounding Emir’s death are already under investigation.
The command therefore urged anyone planning to participate in the proposed protest to abandon the idea and instead pursue lawful channels for expressing grievances.
It warned that security agencies would respond to any attempt to disrupt public order, damage property or threaten the lives of residents.
The police also appealed to parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and other influential members of society to discourage young people from taking part in activities capable of destabilising the state.
The warning comes against the background of heightened tension following the recent killing of Emir in Osun.
The police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and said the investigation had already produced useful leads.
However, some of the suspects identified in connection with the incident are still at large, according to the command.
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and arrest those believed to be connected with the killing.
The police have also appealed to residents with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Members of the public who have information about the circumstances surrounding the killing or the whereabouts of suspects have been encouraged to share such information with security agencies.
The command assured residents that information provided to investigators would be treated confidentially.
The development has also raised concerns about the possibility of retaliatory attacks between rival groups.
The police specifically warned against reprisal attacks, stressing that individuals or groups with grievances should not attempt to punish suspects or settle disputes by themselves.
Security officials said such actions could lead to additional loss of life and make it more difficult for investigators to establish what actually happened.
The reported involvement of a group allegedly connected to a cult organisation has further complicated the situation.
The police have not established through a court that the group is responsible for the proposed protest or that every person associated with the alleged group belongs to a particular cult organisation.
The reported connection remains part of the intelligence guiding the police response.
The command’s position is that any protest or gathering must not become an opportunity for criminal elements to attack rival groups or members of the public.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the possibility that the planned demonstration could be used as a cover for violence.
The police have therefore called on residents to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant while the investigation continues.
The command also urged people to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or other security agency.
The police said maintaining peace would require cooperation from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.
For the authorities, preventing further violence is particularly important while investigators are still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Emir’s death.
The killing has already generated public concern, and any attempt to organise retaliatory action could potentially widen the dispute and create new victims.
The command has consequently made it clear that it will not permit individuals to take the law into their own hands.
The police have also maintained that the appropriate response to the killing is to allow investigators to gather evidence, identify those responsible and present suspects before the relevant authorities for prosecution.
The development highlights the broader security challenges associated with cult-related violence and reprisal attacks in parts of Osun State.
Such conflicts can quickly escalate when rival groups seek revenge for the death of a member or associate.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned communities against allowing such disputes to turn into cycles of retaliation.
The latest police warning is therefore aimed at preventing the reported protest from becoming another source of violence.
While the group behind the notice has reportedly demanded action over Emir’s death, the police have insisted that criminal investigations must be conducted through established legal procedures.
The command’s investigation into the killing remains ongoing, and the fact that some suspects are still being pursued indicates that authorities have not yet concluded the case.
Residents have consequently been urged to avoid spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions or lead to attacks against individuals suspected of involvement.
The police have also called on community leaders to use their influence to discourage young people from joining violent gatherings.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, urged stakeholders across the state to work with security agencies to protect lives and property.
He also encouraged residents to remain alert and provide information that could help prevent further violence.
For now, the proposed protest remains a major security concern for the Osun Police Command.
The authorities have warned that anyone who attempts to use the situation to cause violence or commit criminal acts will face appropriate action.
At the same time, investigators are continuing their efforts to track down suspects connected with Emir’s killing and establish the circumstances that led to his death.
The police have maintained that justice must be pursued through lawful means rather than through protests organised for retaliation or attacks on suspected rivals.
As tension remains around the incident, residents are being urged to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation is expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding Emir’s death and the identities and roles of those responsible.
Until then, the police have warned against any attempt to turn the incident into a wider confrontation, while urging members of the public to cooperate with investigators and allow the legal process to take its course.
