The Kogi State Police Command has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in the Central Senatorial District, citing security concerns.
Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye made this known in a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya.
The statement referenced a recent directive by the state government banning political gatherings due to intelligence reports of potential security threats.
“Following intelligence reports on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of a planned rally in Okene to cancel such an event in the interest of peace,” the statement read.
The police expressed concern that the event could be hijacked by hoodlums, leading to a breakdown of law and order.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the state. The command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the state is currently enjoying,” the statement added.
Authorities further warned against defying the directive, stressing that any attempt to disregard the ban would be met with legal consequences.
“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 command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of the law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order,” the police warned.
Despite the government’s ban, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted on proceeding with her event. She clarified that her visit is not political but a homecoming to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
