By 
Kwara state Police command has confirmed an arrest of five people for what they called public disturbance, as protest rocked Ilorin metropolis over scarcity of new naira notes and fuel.
Some residents of the Ilorin metropolis on Wednesday embarked on a public display of their grievances over the hardship they are facing as a result of the development.
Areas like Ogidi/Oko-olowo road, Offa-Garage, Geri-Alimi, Oja-Oba, Apata-Yakuba and University Teaching Hospital road were blocked by protesters.
Reacting to the development, Kwara Police Command, in a press statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasami, said the Command woke up to an unlawful burning of disused tires on some major roads in the Ilorin Metropolitan Area this morning, in spite of the earlier warning by the Command against such unwholesome behaviour by hoodlums in the wake of the Naira note swap.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Paul Odama, has ordered aggressive motorized and foot patrols of the metro. He advised parents and guidance to warn their children or wards to avoid being used as canon-folders by disgruntled political activists, as any one arrested in the process of committing any crime, either as a result of the fuel or Naira challenges, would be made to face the consequences of such actions alone.
“The situation has been brought under control, and normalcy already been established.
“The good people of Kwara State are advised to go about their lawful daily endeavours. Enough security arrangements have been placed across the length and breadth of Kwara State to ensure the safety and security of law-abiding citizens and residents.
“The five suspects already arrested in the course of the disturbances would be charged in court,” said the PPRO.
In a similar development, the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has appealed to the residents of the state to remain calm.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, who sympathised with the people of the state on the continuous scarcity of the naira as a result of the recent CBN’s currency redesign policy.
“I testify to the inconvenience this development has brought. We are in this together, and we are not missing any opportunity to work with the CBN and the Federal Government to bring ease to the people within reasonable time. I admit it has been tough, and we do not take your patience for granted,” he said.
“I sincerely appeal to you to remain calm. We are a resilient people who are popular for our peaceful nature and our history of seeking reliefs with calmness and absolute restraints. This is a passionate appeal to the good people of Kwara State. Again, I share in your pains, and I urge you to exercise the highest level of restraints as we surmount this challenge together.”
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