Identify yourselves, Kogi CP tells protest organisers

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has asked the organisers of the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10 to identify themselves so they can be invited to brainstorm.

He also urged them to provide the details of the routes they want to follow to give police room for proper monitoring.

A statement issued shortly after a meeting with all security agencies on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Lokoja by the public relations officer, SP William Aya, stated that the CP acknowledged that citizens have the right to protest, but they must do so within the confines of the law and maintain law and order.

The statement reads in part, “The CP while accepting the fact that citizens have the right to peaceful Assembly and protest, stressed the importance of maintaining law and order.

“He urged the organizers to identify themselves to enable the police to provide security for a peaceful protest in the state if it must hold.

“In their responses, the stakeholders rejected any purported planned protest, noting that they cannot be part of any protest without having knowledge of the organisers or the mission of the protest.

“They stated that the motive may be to cause destruction and looting of properties of innocent citizens by disgruntled elements.

“The police, therefore, urged the organisers of the protest to provide the Command with the details on the proposed routes and assembly points, duration of the protest, and assurances of non-violence protest.

“These will enable the Command to implement measures to provide security during and after the protest and design methods to deter would-be troublemakers who may want to hijack the process and destroy lives and property in the state.

“The Command warns any group planning to disrupt the existing peace the state is enjoying to desist from such plans, as the police will not tolerate any attempt to cause destruction and looting of public or private facilities and businesses in the state.

“To this end, the organisers of purported/planned protest are, therefore, advised to cooperate with the Police and other Security Agencies and adhere strictly to international standard best procedures and practices for a peaceful Assembly.”