The re was protest in Ibadan on Saturday following the celebration of the country’s Democracy Day.
However, the Oyo State Police Command has told residents to go about their lawful businesses in spite of the threat of a nationwide protest to mark June 12.
According to available information, the protest was first noticed in Mokola area of the biggest city in Africa.
Protesters in their large numbers demanded the quitting of President Muhammadu Buhari, chanting: “Buhari must go.”
They also bore a coffin they carried shoulder high.
The spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Adewale Osifeso, however, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan that adequate security had been provided by the police and sister agencies to ensure citizens’ protection.
Osifeso, however, denied the claims of bonfire allegedly noticed around Moniya-Ojoo Road, saying everywhere was cool and calm.
He said the command had deployed enough patrol teams, currently patrolling every nook and cranny of the state.
He said: “The patrol will be a continuous one because we understand what today means to Nigeria.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure there is peace.”
Meanwhile, NAN Correspondents who went round Ibadan, the state capital, and other major cities in the state, observed light vehicular and human movements.
Reports from Egbeda, Alakia, Adegbayi, Ogungbade, Oluwo, Badeku, Fashade, Ayegun and Awaye revealed that residents remained in their houses as at about 8am, while major markets remained shut.
Also, at about 9am, some filling stations had not yet opened for the day’s business in Mokola area, though some traders were seen displaying their wares.
At the Monatan-Iwo Road axis and Ojoo area, a handful of traders opened their shops, with light movement of people and vehicles.
Also, at about 9:00 a.m., the Ring Road – Challenge axis witnessed a light movement of vehicles, with most shops still closed.
A number of filling stations in the area had, however, opened for business, just as personnel of the Amotekun security outfit were seen at the Challenge Roundabout and car park area.
NAN reports that security personnel, particularly soldiers and police officers, were observed patrolling some major flash points like the Iwo Road Roundabout and Ibadan-Ife tollgate.
A cross section of residents told NAN that they decided to stay indoor to avoid being caught in a crossfire due to rumours of possible protests by some groups.
Commenting, Saidi Alagbe, a commercial driver in Challenge area, said passengers were not coming out due to fear of the proposed protest.
Alagbe said: “Unlike before, we have been queuing up here since morning waiting for passengers.
“Many are afraid of going out because of the protest.
“Few taxis that are out waiting for passengers going to Academy, Iwo Road and other places, are still empty due to lack of passengers.”