From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Tension eased in Isanlu-Isin, Kwara State, recently after security agencies swiftly intervened to restore calm following a youth protest over security concerns.
The youths had, earlier in the day, barricaded the Omu-Aran/Ilorin road at Eleyin axis to draw attention to recent security issues in the area.
Their action temporarily disrupted vehicular movement before top security officials and local leaders stepped in.
In a statement issued in Ilorin, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, confirmed that normalcy had returned.
She said the Commissioner worked in synergy with the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armored Brigade, Brigadier General E.B. Barkins, the State Director of the DSS, as well as Local Government chairmen and traditional leaders to address the concerns of the demonstrators.
“The Command ensured robust deployment of tactical and conventional assets to maintain law and order, preventing any attempt by criminal elements to hijack the peaceful demonstration,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
According to her, crowd control measures were applied with professionalism, while respected community figures engaged the youths to restore calm and ensure free movement of vehicles along the affected route.
The police commended the cooperation of community leaders and the youths for their role in de-escalating tension.
“We enjoin members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue to partner with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities in their environment,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police further assured residents that security presence in the area has been reinforced to prevent any breach of peace.
“The safety and freedom of movement of all citizens remain fully guaranteed,” he emphasised.