From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command has warned against protests by groups.
The warning was handed by the State Commissioner of Police Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka in a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations’ Officer SP Catherine Anene in Makurdi on Sunday.
The CP warned intending protesters to refrain from such actions as the environment is not conducive for a protest.
“Information available to Benue state Command revealed that a group of persons are planning to stage a protest in the state.
“The CP has described this as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the fragile security situation that is currently being handled. He further explained that a protest at this time will avail hoodlums and other criminal minded persons an opportunity to cause mayhem”, CP Onyeka said.
He directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to tighten up security in their areas of responsibility and resist any efforts of protesters to encourage breach of peace.
While also, advising stakeholders including; Traditional rulers, Religious leaders, youth leaders and parents to warn their children/wards to desist from any form of protest at this sensitive time.
The CP assured the good people of Benue State of his commitment to fight crime and enjoined the people to avail useful and timely information to the police.
It should be noted that on Friday, armed robbers carried out a coordinated attacks on five banks in Otukpo as well as the Divisional Police Office killing 3 Police officers including the DPO as well as 16 civilians.
The Police said that two (2) of the robbers were gun down while four (4)others were apprehended and a manhunt has been declared for those who escaped.
