Benue Police Command warns youth against protest

On Sunday, the Benue State Police Command issued a warning against holding any sort of protest in the state.

The leadership issued a severe warning against all forms of demonstration, claiming that it learned from intelligence that some people were preparing to hold a protest.

It was highlighted that the state is going through a difficult time.

The planned protest's connection to the armed robbery that took place in Otukpo last Friday was not made clear by the command, though.

Recall that on Friday, suspected armed robbers invaded five banks in the historic town of Otukpo and killed numerous persons, including an Otukpo Divisional Police Officer and three police officers.

Police have stated that two of the robbers who were escaping were shot and killed by security personnel along the Otukpo/Taraku route.

Unconfirmed sources reportedly claimed that four of the alleged armed robbers who were running away were later detained.

In a statement titled, ‘Benue Police Command Warns Against Protest At This Trying Time’ issued by the command spokesperson, Catherine Anene described the planned protest as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the “fragile security situation” in the state.

The statement read in parts, “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.

“He further explained that a protest at this time would avail hoodlums and other criminal-minded persons an opportunity to cause mayhem.

“The CP warns intending protesters to refrain from such actions as the environment is not conducive for a protest.

The head of the police force has also ordered the Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to bolster security in their purviews and thwart any attempts by demonstrators to incite unrest.

In addition, he urged all parties involved—including parents, traditional authorities, religious figures, youth leaders, and others—to caution their kids and wards against participating in any kind of protest at this delicate moment.

CP Onyeka reassured the populace of the state of his commitment to combating crime and exhorted them to furnish the police with pertinent and timely information.

Source