The Lagos State Police Command on
Monday evening allayed fears of residents following apprehension making rounds
on social media that females around Ikorodu area should stay indoors and
refrain from moving around town on Tuesday, May 8 for the Oro Day festival.
In a statement jointly signed by the
State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal and the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba
Kabiru Shotobi shortly after a meeting, the Command assured the women folk of
their safety and right of freedom of movement blaming the report that went
viral on mischief makers.
“The attention of the Lagos State
Police Command has been drawn to the news making the rounds on the social
media that the female gender is forbidden to be seen outside their
homes or move around the town with effect from tomorrow 8/05/2018 being the day
set aside as ORO DAY.
“In view of the above, the CP Lagos
called for a meeting attended by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi,
Palace Chiefs and the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs,
Alhaji Muslim Folami.
“The Oba stated during the meeting
that it is unthinkable for a man with his level of exposure to do or say
anything that would be seen as discriminatory against the female gender. He
however, acknowledged that the festival is an age long tradition of Ikorodu
people which had been even before he was born. He added that the festival would
hold without denying the female folks their right of freedom of movement,” the
statement said.
The statement also quoted the
Commissioner of Police as saying that the Command will not tolerate any discriminatory
tradition against the female gender, warning that the Command would deal
ruthlessly with anybody who hides under the guise of custom or tradition to
forment trouble in the state.
Imohimi, therefore, enjoined women
to go about their lawful business without let or hindrance.
The meeting ended with a joint press
statement assuring the people of Ikorodu that the festival would be peaceful.
No comments:
Post a Comment