A yet-to-be-identified worker with a private firm in Oyo State reportedly died while protesting over palliative and welfare package alongside other staffers of the organisation on Monday.
PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, that the victim had joined other staff members to protest following false information about the disbursement of palliatives to private companies across the country.
Adewale added that following the misinformation, the workers staged a protest that turned violent after hoodlums hijacked the protest, stormed the premises of the firm and destroyed properties.
He added that the victim was caught in the violence that ensued during the protest which led to his death.
He stated, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to set the record straight concerning the disturbing violent protests that rocked one of the factories belonging to Sumal Foods, Oluyole Extension, Ibadan on Monday, 01/07/2024 around 1600hrs.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the protest was premised on widespread false information authored and peddled by some of the workers concerning the disbursement of palliatives to all private companies and firms in the country. Their grouse however was that they were being denied the welfare package.
“Sadly, the protest was hijacked by criminal elements who forced their way into the factory, destroying vehicles and property worth millions of naira. One death was recorded during the violent protest.”
The PPRO added that police operatives stormed the scene of the protest and arrested 12 suspects in connection with the violence that rocked the protest.
He added that an investigation had commenced into the matter.
“So far, 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the violent protest.
“The CP has ordered that the entire case be taken up by the Homicide Department of the Criminal Investigation Department with the Deputy Commissioner of Police directly in charge of investigations,” Osifeso concluded.
Credit: Punch
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