Kogi Govt, Police,  Restrict Movement, As Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Visits Okenne

By Ayodele Oni

Kogi State Police Command has announced ban on all forms of rally and procession in the state.

A statement by the command, issued on Tuesday, ahead of the visit by senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the state and a follow up to the earlier one issued by the state government, restricting unauthorized movement.

The statement by the command, signed by SP William Ovye Aya, Public Relations Officer reads:  “Following the intelligence report 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 planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State.

“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.

“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.

“As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on any one who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.”

The Kogi State Government had issued a restriction on “unauthorized movement” and demanded that any convoy of persons coming into the state must obtain permit from law enforcement agencies.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is scheduled to visit her senatorial district on Tuesday, the first visit since her suspension from the Senate. It is also the first since some constituents initiated her recall.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the government’s decision was based on credible intelligence that required proactive measures be taken to avert a security breach

The government particularly referred to Kogi Central Senatorial District, where the senator hails from, saying there were suspicions of a security breach.

The statement said: “In Kogi Central, intelligence at our disposal point to the fact that some elements are planning to stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations. This is to create a platform for wanton destruction and breakdown of law and order.”

“The Kogi State Government remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents and ensuring that the state remains a haven of peace and security.

“In light of credible intelligence reports, the government has deemed it necessary to take proactive measures to prevent any form of security breach that could destabilize the state.

“It is heartwarming to note that the State witnessed a peaceful Sallah, however, some security threats are threatening the peace of the state. In Kasemiya, Katubo and Umozu Ette all in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi West, fishing activities have resulted in serious crisis, leading to the loss of two lives.

“All fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area are hereby suspended until peace is completely restored. Security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas to restore peace and implement our directive.”