The police authorities in Cross River and Oyo states have cautioned members of the public and security personnel against violence, obstruction and abuse of authority, stressing the need for all parties to respect the law in the discharge of their duties.

The Cross River State Police Command, in particular, warned residents against assaulting, obstructing or resisting police officers while performing their lawful duties, noting that such actions constitute criminal offences.

The warning, contained in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, followed what the command described as increasing instances of police officers being assaulted or violently resisted while responding to emergencies, preventing crime and maintaining public order.

Eitokpah said Section 98 of the Police Act 2020 provides that anyone who assaults, obstructs or resists a police officer in the discharge of his duties commits an offence.

According to him, the offence attracts, upon conviction, a fine of N500,000, imprisonment for six months, or both.

He, however, stressed that respect for police authority should not be interpreted as granting officers immunity from accountability for alleged misconduct.

Eitokpah advised citizens who believe their rights had been violated by police officers to seek lawful redress rather than resorting to violence.

He said complaints of alleged police misconduct could be pursued through appropriate channels, including the National Human Rights Commission, urging residents to report unlawful arrests, abuse of power and other violations through established mechanisms.

Eitokpah also charged police officers to exercise their authority professionally and within the law, noting that the police uniform carries the responsibility to respect the dignity and rights of citizens.

He said public trust could only be strengthened through cooperation between the police and the communities they serve, adding that effective policing and respect for human rights must go hand in hand.

While the Cross River Command focused on the need for citizens to obey the law and refrain from violence against officers, a recent incident in Oyo State highlighted the responsibility of security personnel to exercise restraint and professionalism.

The Oyo State Police Command arrested a 49-year-old security guard, Oladapo Felix, over the alleged shooting of a resident at Zion Estate, Yakoya area of Elewuro, Akobo, Ibadan.

The police also recovered four locally made single-barrel guns and a machete from the suspect’s duty post.

The incident occurred when the victim, identified as Bolaji Oladipupo, reportedly came out of his residence to pump water after hearing a siren around the premises.

Preliminary investigation, according to the police, showed that Oladipupo went outside to ascertain the source of the noise but was confronted by Felix.

The victim reportedly identified himself as a resident of the house but was allegedly shot by the security guard.

Following the report, operatives from the Akobo Division visited the scene and arrested the suspect.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said Felix confessed during preliminary investigation to shooting the victim.

He said a search of the suspect’s duty post resulted in the recovery of two serviceable locally made single-barrel guns, two unserviceable locally made single-barrel guns and a machete.

sponding to treatment.

He added that detectives were investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what happened immediately before the incident and why the firearm was used.

The police are also investigating how the suspect came into possession of the firearms.

The Oyo Command acknowledged the contribution of private security guards and other members of the private security sector to the protection of lives and property, but urged them to remain professional, disciplined and emotionally restrained while performing their duties.

It warned security personnel against allowing anger, provocation or other emotions to influence their judgment, particularly in situations requiring restraint and de-escalation.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed a thorough and professional investigation into the incident and ordered that appropriate action be taken in accordance with the law.

In Cross River, Eitokpah similarly urged the public to avoid violence even when they disagree with police actions, stressing that allegations of misconduct should be addressed through lawful processes.

He maintained that accountability must apply to both citizens and law enforcement officers, noting that neither the public nor police personnel were above the law.

The command said the protection of police officers and citizens were not competing objectives, but part of the broader responsibility of ensuring a society governed by law, accountability and mutual respect.