By Idris Kareem
No fewer than 30 armed soldiers on Monday invaded the Osun State Command headquarters of the Nigeria police force in Osogbo.
This, according to eyewitnesses caused panic in the area as shops near the police headquarters were abruptly closed.
A trader in the area said three soldiers had already entered into the command’s premises before others were stopped at the gate.
He said the traders around the state command hurriedly closed their shops for fear of unknown as the soldiers were wielding arms and does not want to be caught in any eventualities.
Anohter trader, who simply identified himself as Segun, said about 30 soldiers were seen at the entrance of the command engaging policemen at the gate in hot argument around 12:30pm.
“Later a senior police officer with the name Edward Ebuka, intervened and prevented the soldiers from entering the command.
“The soldiers, althoughleft the area, but they never seem satisfied with the situation, because I believe some of them were likely detained by the police”.
However, a police source, who preferred anonymity disclosed that three soldiers that had already entered into the command’s premises were arrested and disarmed by the policemen, while others left.
The source added that the mission of the soldiers in the area might not be unconnected with the arrest and detention of a soldier arrested in Osogbo for an offence that could not be immediately ascertained last Saturday.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Folashade Odoro said the command will brief journalists later on the development.