October 22, (THEWILL) – The Benue State Police Command says intelligence report at it disposal, reveals that a group of persons are planning to stage a protest in the state in the wake of a fragile security situation in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Bartholomew Onyeka, therefore, described the planned protest 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.
In a statement, the Command’s PPRO, Superintendent of Police, Sewuese Anene, quotes the Commissioner of Police as warning the intending protesters to refrain from such actions, as the environment is not conducive for such at the moment.
The statement directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), to tighten up security in their areas of responsibility and resist any efforts of protesters to encourage breech 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.”
According to the PPRO, the CP assures the good people of Benue State of his commitment to fight crime and enjoins them to avail useful and timely information to the police for timely intervention.
It is not clear at the moment who are the intending protesters, their motives, but may not be far from the surge in criminality in the state.
It will be recalled that daredevil robbers, on Friday, attacked four commercial banks in Oturkpo, during which a Divisional Police Officer and several others lost their lives.
However, in a counter offensive, officers of the command in a gun duel, killed two suspected robbers, who were fleeing the scene after their operations.
