The Osun State Police Command has warned against a planned protest allegedly being organised by a group identified as the “Congress of Cultists,” which the command said intelligence linked to the Neo-Black Movement, popularly known as Black Axe.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, who described the group as “faceless” and said the police had received intelligence concerning its alleged association with the cult group.

The command cautioned individuals or groups planning to cause disorder, disrupt public peace or engage in criminal activities to reconsider their actions.

According to the police, security agencies would not allow anyone to exploit the situation to destabilise the state or endanger lives and property. It added that its operatives would respond appropriately to any action capable of threatening public safety.

The command also urged individuals or groups with grievances to pursue lawful channels for resolving their disputes, warning against violence, self-help and reprisal attacks.

The development comes amid an ongoing investigation into a recent killing in the state. The police said the investigation had produced useful leads and that some suspects had been identified but remained at large.

The command said efforts were ongoing to track down the suspects and ensure that all those found to have participated in the incident were arrested and brought before the appropriate authorities.

It appealed to members of the public with relevant information about the killing to approach the police or other security agencies, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, also called on parents, community leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders to discourage youths and other residents from participating in activities capable of destabilising the state.

The police urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while reporting suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or other security agency.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and public order across Osun State.