Benue: Police warn against illegal protest over Otukpo robbery

The Benue State Police Command has warned persons planning to stage a protest in the state desist from such act.

A press statement on Sunday in Makurdi by SP. Anene Sewuese Catherine, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said, “The State Commissioner of Police, CP. Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka PSC, described the action as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the fragile security situation that is currently being handled.”

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

He warned intending protesters to refrain from such actions as the environment is not conducive for a protest.

The statement said, “Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to tighten up security in their areas of responsibility and resist any efforts of protesters to encourage breech of peace.”

He advised 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 people of his commitment to fight crime and encouraged them to provide useful and timely information to the police.