The Kogi State Police Command has called on organisers and participants of a planned protest in Lokoja to identify themselves and liaise with the Command ahead of the scheduled demonstration on April 27.
In a press release issued on Wednesday by the Command Public Relation Officer ASP Afusat Saliu, the Police said it had received credible intelligence about the planned protest in the state capital, stressing the need for proper coordination to ensure public safety and order.
The Command acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression but emphasized that such rights must be exercised within the bounds of the law and without threatening public peace and security.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, advised all individuals and groups intending to participate in the protest to report to the Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja for identification and engagement.
The Police said the measure was necessary to identify genuine organisers, prevent criminal elements from hijacking the protest, and enable adequate security planning for a peaceful exercise.
Organisers were also directed to provide details of the protest, including the proposed route, duration, and nature of the demonstration, to assist the Command in deploying appropriate security arrangements to safeguard lives and property.
The Command warned that any protest that turns violent, involves unlawful assembly, or leads to obstruction of public highways would not be tolerated, noting that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property across the state, the Police urged all stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies. It also encouraged members of the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
