The Kogi State Police Command has invited for identification and talks, with the organizers of a planned Youth protest scheduled to take place in Lokoja, the state capital, on April 27.
The Command, which said it received credible intelligence regarding the planned protest, asked all individuals and groups intending to participate in the protest to report to the State Command Headquarters, Lokoja, “for proper identification and necessary engagement with the Police.”
A statement by the spokesperson of the Command, ASP Afusat Oyiza Salau, acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression, but that such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law and in a manner that does not jeopardize public peace, safety and security.
It said that the meeting will unveil the identity of the “genuine organizers and participants” and prevent the protest from being hijacked by criminal elements or persons with ulterior motives.
The statement said that the meeting will also enable the Command to provide adequate security to ensure a peaceful and orderly exercise.
“The organizers are required to furnish the Command with details of their intended plans, including the proposed route, duration and nature of the protest. This will assist in deploying adequate security to protect lives, property, and the rights of all citizens.
“The Command wishes to reiterate that any protest that degenerates into violence, unlawful assembly, obstruction of public highways or any act capable of causing a breach of peace will not be tolerated and such actions will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
The Command advised all stakeholders to cooperate with the Police and maintain peace, even as it assured the general public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the State.
It called on the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police formation.
