The Kogi State Police Command has warned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah homecoming rally in the Central Senatorial District. The police say the event could pose a security threat and disrupt public peace.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday, which was released by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya.
Police Cite Security Threats for Ban
According to the statement, the police are acting on intelligence reports that indicate possible security threats in the state. This led the Kogi State Government to announce a ban on all political gatherings on Monday.
“Following intelligence reports on security threats in Kogi State and the government’s ban on all forms of rallies and processions, the police command has called on the organisers of the planned rally in Okene to cancel the event in the interest of peace,” the statement read.
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The police further explained that intelligence reports suggest that some hoodlums may attempt to hijack the rally and cause violence.
“The call for cancellation is necessary because intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the event and disturb the peace in the state. The command cannot afford to jeopardize the peace Kogi State is currently enjoying,” the statement added.
The police also issued a strong warning against defying the directive.
“In view of the security threat, the Kogi State Police Command advises the organisers to cancel the event to avoid any breakdown of law and order. The command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of the law on anyone who causes a disturbance of peace and order in the state,” the statement warned.
Senator Natasha Insists on Holding Homecoming
Despite the ban on political gatherings, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that she will proceed with her planned homecoming. She maintains that her visit is not a political rally but a personal trip to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
Her defiance has raised concerns over potential clashes between her supporters and security forces, as tensions continue to rise in Kogi State over political activities.