Butchers at the Bodija Market abattoir in Ibadan , Oyo State , on Tuesday staged a protest at the Oyo State Government secretariat against what they described as an unjust demolition of structures at the abattoir by the government .
The butchers arrived at the secretariat displaying placards with different inscriptions which summed up their grievances .
The protesters accused the state government of carrying out the demolition at the weekend without giving them any notice .
Some of the inscriptions read , ‘ Eyin ara ilu e gba wa o (People of Ibadan , save us ), ’ ‘ APC , butchers voted you into power, don’ t let us vote your party out. ’
Spokesman for the group , Tunji Jigan, told journalists that there was a case in court challenging the relocation of butchers from Bodija to the new central abattoir in Amosun village .
He said the state should allow the verdict to be delivered on the suit before forcing the butchers out of the present abattoir.
The Oyo State Deputy Governor , Moses Adeyemo , who addressed the protesters , assured them that Governor Abiola Ajimobi would look into the matter.
Meanwhile , the state police command warned the protesters against disrupting peace in the state through violent protest .
The state Police Public Relations Officer , Adekunle Ajisebutu , in a statement advised the group to carry out their protest lawfully .
The statement said , “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to advise a group of butchers in Ibadan which embarked on a protest this morning following a recent government ’ s relocation order , that while it recognises the group ’ s fundamental right to protest , such protest should be carried out within the ambit of the law.
“ The police will not watch individuals, groups , or associations disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in the state . Therefore , it will not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with anyone or association whose activities in whatever guise are capable of causing breakdown of law and order in any part of the state. ”
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