Residents of the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor have expressed strong opposition to the deployment of a Task Force by Oyo State Government citing concerns over the use of force against peaceful citizens.
In a series of social media posts by concerned residents and landowners from the six affected local government areas in Ibadanland on Thursday, the people expressed their rejection of the Task Force, established to oversee the corridor, and warned against the misuse of state authority for intimidation or unlawful land grabbing.
Specifically, one of the posts reads: “We seek only justice, fairness, and lawful conduct. We will not be cowed by the use of force. We are committed to our peaceful nature, and we expect that our fundamental rights will be respected and safeguarded.”
The residents, from Egbeda, Ido, Akinyele, Ona Ara, Lagelu, and Oluyole local government areas, called on Governor Makinde to uphold democratic values and refrain from using lethal force against the people of Ibadan, who are committed to protecting their heritage and properties through peaceful means.
“We call for a resolution that prioritizes people over infrastructure – not the imposition of force,” they added.
The residents’ stance has sparked concerns over the potential for conflict, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the issue.
The Task Force, comprising the Nigeria Police, Operation Burst, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, and the judiciary, is expected to ensure law and order in the area.
The residents are concerned that their rights will be trampled, and they will not stand by while those meant to protect them use force against them.
“We are fully aware of our rights and what we stand for,” they lamented.
