The Kogi State Police Command has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in the state’s Central Senatorial District, citing security concerns.
The directive was issued on Tuesday by the State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya.
According to the statement, the police warned that the rally contravenes a ban on political gatherings imposed by the state government on Monday due to security threats.
“Following intelligence reports on potential security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rallies and processions by the state government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, has called on the organisers of the planned rally in Okene to cancel the event in the interest of peace,” the statement read.
The police further stated that intelligence reports indicated that hoodlums might attempt to hijack the rally, leading to disturbances. “The call for cancellation becomes necessary, as intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause a breakdown of law and order. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace in the state,” it added.
“In view of the security threat, the Kogi State Police Command advises the organisers to cancel the event to prevent any disruption of law and order. The Command will not hesitate to enforce the full weight of the law against anyone who incites unrest,” the statement warned.
Despite the government’s directive banning political gatherings, Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained resolute, insisting that her visit is not a political event but a “homecoming” to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
