The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun, has warned against vandalising critical national assets during the planned nationwide protest.
The Commandant of the Corps, Dr Michael Adaralewa, stated this in a statement by its spokesman, Kehinde Adeleke, on Sunday in Osogbo. He enjoined the protesters, especially the youths, to be law-abiding and refrain from vandalising critical national assets in their domains.
Adaralewa, who noted that the protection of national assets was a core mandate of the Corps, said that personnel had been deployed to protect critical infrastructure such as petroleum and gas pipelines, communication masts, rail tracks, roads, bridges among other.
According to him, these critical assets are the means of economic and social survival of the country.
Adaralewa tasked Area Commanders and Divisional Officers of the Corps, to take the assignment seriously and discharge their duties with high level of professionalism, and work in synergy with other sister agencies in the state.
He assured members of the public of their safety as they go about their legitimate businesses, adding that necessary measures had been put in place to forestall any attempt to breakkdown law and order.
The commander said that vandalism by miscreants, who planned to capitalise on the peaceful protest to destroy critical national assets would be resisted.
‘’It is our collective responsibility to protect critical infrastructure in our domains. We must not allow hoodlums to destroy our collective wealth all in the name of protest.
“I appeal to intending protesters to express their grievances through lawful and peaceful means, and to avoid engaging in any activities that can compromise national security and public safety,” he said.
Adaralewa also urged parents and guardians to caution their children against being used by individuals seeking to incite trouble under the guise of peaceful protest, warning that anyone caught would be prosecuted. (NAN)
By Olajide Idowu – News Dairy
