Police rally stakeholders against violent protest in Plateau

The police high command in Plateau State on Tuesday met with stakeholders including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the JNI over the planned hunger protests in the state.

It was learnt that the meeting was convened at the instance of the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Adesina, held at the police officers mess in Jos the state capital .

In a statement he issued shortly after the meeting, the spokesman for the police command ,Alfred Alabo, said the meeting was aimed at stopping the planned protest or preventing it from turning violent in the state if it eventually holds.

Alfred who  reiterated the commitment of the police to maintaining law and order in the state said “in view of the upcoming planned protest slated to take place on August 1, 2024, the Plateau state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Adesina, convened a meeting with various stakeholders across the state today at the Senior Police officers Mess, Jos.

In attendance were the Traditional Council, the women group, JNI, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau Youth Council, Civil Society Groups, Non Government Organizations, the PCRC, Security help groups, members of the media, among others.

“The meeting was aimed at engaging in dialogue with the stakeholders to discuss measures through which the protest can be prevented from occurring in the State, and in the event that it does take place, to ensure that it is conducted in a peaceful manner.

“During the meeting, the stakeholders offered valuable suggestions toward facilitating the peaceful conduct of the protest.

“The CP appreciated the stakeholders for their selfless investment in the business of securing the State, especially in their prompt response whenever the Command seeks their attention.  He further advises the good people of Plateau State to refrain from engaging in any form of violent protest activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order in all circumstances. He therefore uses this opportunity to call on the protesters to come to his office and discuss how the protest can be carried out in a peaceful manner.

“The Plateau State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, while also ensuring the safety and security of all residents within the State. Therefore, the Police will not stand and watch in speculation as lives, properties and critical infrastructures are being vandalised and destroyed.

Adesina also informed the general public that the Command has made available some active response phone numbers through which they can report any suspicious incidents around them during this period.

“Members of the general public are also advised to report any misconduct of our officers within the state,” the statement added