Ahead of Thursday’s nationwide protest, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bethrand Onuoha has warned against the destruction and looting of public or private facilities and businesses in the state.
He gave the warning on Tuesday while meeting with other heads of security agencies and critical stakeholders towards ensuring peaceful environment during the planned protest across the federation by faceless individuals, cautions against any act that could bring about violence and anarchy in Kogi State.
He informed the gathering the reason why the Command invited all of them so that they can brainstorm and proffer practicable solutions on how best to shelve the protest plan and also prevent the breakdown of Law and order in the state.
The CP, while accepting the fact that citizens have right to peaceful Assembly and protest, stressed the importance of maintaining law and order.
He urged the organisers to identify themselves to enable the Police provide security for a peaceful protest in the state, if it must hold.
The Police, therefore urged the organisers of the protest to provide the command with the details on the proposed routes and assembly points, duration of the protest and assurances of non-violence protest.
He said, “This will enable the command to put in place measures to provide security during and after the protest and also to design methods to deter would-be trouble-makers who may want to hijack the process and cause destruction of lives and property in the state.
“The command warns any group planning to disrupt the existing peace in the state is enjoying to desist from such plans, as the Police will not tolerate any attempt to cause destruction and looting of public or private facilities and businesses in the state.
“To this end, the organisers of purported/planned protest are therefore, advised to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies, adhere strictly to international standard best procedures and practices for a peaceful assembly.”
The stakeholders in their responses rejected any purported planned protest, noting that, they cannot be part of any protest without having knowledge of the organisers or the mission for the protest, stating that the motive may be to cause destruction and looting of properties of innocent citizens by disgruntled elements.
Those also present in the meeting includes Leaders of NLC, TUC, NURTW, NARTO, RTEAN, Traditional/Religious Leaders, Youth Leaders, Motorcycle/Tricycle Unions, PCRC, Miyetti Allah, Market Women Association, NYCN, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Students Union Leaders, and other critical Stakeholders at the Police State Headquarters, Lokoja.
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