From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the state to tighten up security in their areas of responsibility and resist any efforts of protesters to encourage breach of peace.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Batholomew Onyeka, gave the warning in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, yesterday. The commissioner, who stated that protest was not the best at this trying time, urged parents to advise their children and keep them in check.
The statement read: “Information available to Benue State Command reveals that a group of persons are planning to stage a protest in the state.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka, has described this as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the fragile security situation that is currently being handled. A protest, at this time, will avail hoodlums and other criminal minded persons an opportunity to cause mayhem.”
CP Onyeka warned intending protesters to refrain from such actions as the environment is not conducive for a protest.
He said: “Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to tighten up security in their areas of responsibility and resist any efforts of protesters to encourage breach of peace. Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth leaders and parents, are advised to warn their children/wards to desist from any form of protest at this sensitive time.”
He assured the people of Benue State of his commitment to fight crime and enjoined the people to avail useful and timely information to the police.