The Kogi State Police Command has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to call off her planned Sallah rally in the Central Senatorial District, citing security threats and a recent government ban on political gatherings.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, the state Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, emphasized the need to maintain peace in the state.
“Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State,” the statement read.
Dantawaye further warned that intelligence reports indicate the possibility of hoodlums hijacking the event, which could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying,” he added.
The police also issued a warning against any attempt to defy the directive, stating that violators would face legal consequences.
“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State. As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State,” the statement added.
Despite the directive, the Punch reported that Akpoti-Uduagan maintained that she will proceed with her visit, describing it as a “homecoming” rather than a political gathering. She insists that she is simply returning to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
