Operatives of the Kwara State Command of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested seven suspected miscreants for alleged involvement in violent conduct and mischief.
The incident, according to the spokesperson of the NSCDC, ASC 1 Ayoola Michael Shola, occured in Ilorin, the state capital, during the protest by the commercial tricyclists and Okada riders over the recent fuel hike.
He said: “On Thursday, September 5th 2024, one Olusegun Taiwo (F) of sango area, Ilorin reported a case of criminal conspiracy and theft at the station office of the NSCDC Kwara State Command. She stated that while on her way to her office on a motorcycle, she was attacked by a group of youths, suspected to be hoodlums, who forcefully took her bag, phones, and other valuables.
“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the NSCDC Kwara State Command, arrested seven suspected miscreants involved in unlawful and violent conduct, as well as mischief, during a protest by commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders in Ilorin over the recent fuel hike.
“After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the suspects are part of the group of hoodlums responsible for terroris”ing and causing public unrest in Ilorin, particularly Sango area.
“The protest was overtaken by hoodlums who exploited the situation, engaging in theft of personal belongings such as bags, phones, and other valuable items, which led to increased unrest in ilorin metropolis.”
Meanwhile, the NSCDC Kwara State Commandant, Dr. Umar J. G. Mohammed, has assured the people of the State of the Command’s commitment to upholding public order and taking decisive measures against any individual or group involved in criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of the State, adding that the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.