In the wake of fresh attacks on Accord and public properties across Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the State Police Command to arrest documented thugs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the public resorts to self-help.

Reacting to the latest attacks, which extend beyond billboard vandalisation to destruction of public properties, Governor Adeleke directed the state police commissioner to stop the apparent shielding of these thugs and act decisively to protect public properties.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed and made available to journalists in Osogbo, on Monday.

While commending a detachment of policemen who repelled an attempt to destroy statues at the Abere roundabout, the governor noted that police action should go beyond the current approach to immediately arresting those he described as APC thugs.

“I hereby direct the Commissioner of Police to immediately effect the arrest of the thugs who are terrorising the state.

“They moved around in Sienna buses, Hilux jeeps and motorcycles, shooting sporadically. The police know them, and the state command should do the needful.

“These political criminals are now attacking public properties. Security agencies should prevent a scenario in which untamed thugs will set the state secretariat and other government buildings on fire.

“I call on all security agencies to rise to this urgent task of enforcing law and order and preventing anarchy. The police authorities must not wait for the public to resort to self- help before taking potent action.”