As part of measures to forestall breakdown of law and order, and particularly frustrate the alleged planned annual ‘7/7’ celebration by the Aiye Confraternity, the Lagos State police command on Wednesday embarked on a Show of Force around the state.
Police in the South West states of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo have in the past three days announced that they received information that members of the Aiye Confraternity (aka Black Axe) were planning to mark their annual ‘7/7’ celebration (Boogie-Night) in many states of Nigeria on July 7.
Police chiefs in those states had issued warnings that no cult-related or any unauthorized gatherings would be allowed that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
The ‘Show of Force’ is in furtherance of that warning, to send a signal to cultists, especially Black Axe members, to steer clear of the state, and to assure residents of the state of adequate security.
A statement by the command’s spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, quoted the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, as re-echoeing his order to officers and men of the command to intensify efforts in resisting and curtailing any act of lawlessness, oppression and intimidation from any group of individuals who might want to engage in any unlawful gathering or celebration of whatever kind.
The police chief also charged intelligence and tactical units of the command to beam their searchlight on the identified areas that are vulnerable to attacks and reprisal attacks by any cult group in the state.