…… Reveals sinister plans to hijack the exercise
….. tasks would-be organizers to shelve the planned protest, or strictly adhere to the law, apply, and get approval before proceeding
In light of the nationally anticipated protest that is currently trending and the imperative to safeguard lives, property, and vital national resources, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, has issued a warning against acts of violence and public peace violations committed by individuals or organisations in the name of protest.
According to a press release on Monday, 29th July 2024 signed by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said that the warning, he says, is considering available intelligence revealing the sinister plans of criminal elements to infiltrate, hijack the planned protest, and unleash mayhem on law-abiding citizens and property in the State.
The statement reads, “The intelligence, the Commissioner further states, shows that the hoodlums, as experienced during the violent “End SARS” protests, intend to attack fellow citizens, destroy public and private property, and perpetrate acts of looting. However, he reiterates the collaborative commitment of the police and other security forces to deal decisively with such criminal elements.
“Furthermore, the CP recognizes the constitutional rights of citizens to lawfully assemble and express their grievances, as currently touted. However, he stresses that it will be completely unacceptable for them to allow such assemblies or protests to be hijacked and made to become violent, especially in these challenging times.
“Consequently, the CP has cautioned those intending to carry out the planned protest in Enugu State to find reasons to shelve the plans, given the available intelligence, and seek alternative peaceful means to express their grievances.
“Nevertheless, the Commissioner emphasizes that proceeding with the idea will require them to strictly adhere to existing laws, particularly the Public Order Act. Hence, they must apply, stating their leaders, date, time, place of takeoff, and duration of the exercise, subject to thorough assessment and approval of such applications.
“Meanwhile, residents of Enugu State have been urged to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and promptly report to the nearest police station, criminals that may want to hide under the guise of the protest to wreak havoc. Alternatively, call the Command’s emergency numbers; 08032003702, 08098880172, or 08086671202, or send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com
