The Kogi State Police Command has advised organisers of a homecoming rally for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to call off the event, citing security concerns.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 1, the command’s spokesman, William Aya, said intelligence reports indicated that hoodlums planned to hijack the rally and disrupt public peace.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause a disturbance of peace in the state. The command cannot afford to jeopardise the existing peace the state is currently enjoying,” he stated.
Aya further warned that proceeding with the rally could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the state,” he said.
He added that the advisory aligns with the Kogi State Government’s recent ban on all rallies and processions.
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The police cautioned that defying the warning would attract serious consequences. “The command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of the law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the state,” the statement warned.
Recall that the state government had on Monday, March 31, announced a total ban on public rallies, citing security threats.
Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo said the measure was necessary to prevent unrest. “In Kogi Central, intelligence at our disposal points to the fact that some elements are planning to stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations,” he stated.
“This is to create a platform for wanton destruction and breakdown of law and order. These flashes of disturbances are raising tension in the state and threatening to breach public peace and security.”
He added that intelligence reports suggested that certain individuals planned to infiltrate the state using fake security personnel to cause trouble.
“In view of this, and effective immediately, the Kogi State Government has placed a total ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace,” he said.