The Kogi State Police Command has advised the organisers of a planned homecoming rally for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to call off the event, citing security concerns.
Police spokesperson William Aya, in a statement on Tuesday, said intelligence reports suggested that “some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause a disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.”
Aya further stated, “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.”
The police warning aligns with the Kogi State Government’s recent ban on rallies and public gatherings. Authorities cautioned that any defiance of the directive would be met with strict legal action.
“The Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State,” the statement added.
On Monday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, justified the ban, citing credible security intelligence.
“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,” the state government said.
“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.
“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.
“This decision has been necessitated by intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals are plotting to infiltrate the state under the guise of organizing rallies, using fake security personnel to foment trouble and compromise the security of law-abiding citizens of our dear state.”
