According to a report by Independent news on Thursday, 04, 07, 2024, The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended twelve suspects following a violent protest at a Sumal Foods facility in Ibadan, allegedly sparked by claims of the company's refusal to distribute federal government palliatives.
According to a statement by SP Osifeso Adewale, the Police Public Relations Officer, the protest erupted on Monday, 01/07/2024, at around 1600hrs. Initial findings indicate that the protest stemmed from misinformation circulated among workers regarding the distribution of palliatives to private companies nationwide.
"The police wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the disruptive protests at Sumal Foods, Oluyole Extension, Ibadan," stated the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command. "The workers' grievance centered on perceived exclusion from welfare benefits.
Unfortunately, criminal elements infiltrated the protest, vandalizing vehicles and causing extensive property damage amounting to millions of naira."
The statement confirmed one fatality during the unrest. However, the situation has since been brought under control with the swift deployment of operational and tactical resources by the Command to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.