The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has issued a warning against planned protests, citing potential acts of violence and breaches of public peace by individuals or groups.
In a statement released by the police public relations officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on behalf of the commissioner on Monday in Enugu, Uzuegbu highlighted the risks associated with the planned demonstrations. He emphasized that intelligence reports indicate that criminal elements may infiltrate and hijack the protests.
The commissioner warned that some hoodlums plan to take advantage of the protests to unleash violence on law-abiding citizens and damage property in the state. “Following the trending planned nationwide protest, there exists intelligence that some hoodlums, as experienced during the violent ‘End SARS’ protests, intend to attack fellow citizens, destroy property, and perpetrate acts of looting,” Uzuegbu said.
He assured that the police, in collaboration with other security forces, would decisively address any criminal activities. While recognizing the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express grievances, Uzuegbu stressed that allowing protests to be hijacked by violent elements would be unacceptable, especially in the current challenging times.
The commissioner urged those planning protests in Enugu State to reconsider and seek alternative peaceful means to express their grievances. He also noted that if protests were to proceed, organizers would need to strictly adhere to existing laws, particularly the Public Order Act, by applying and providing details such as leaders, date, time, place of takeoff, and duration of the exercise, subject to assessment and approval.
Uzuegbu called on Enugu State residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and promptly report any criminals attempting to use the protests as a cover to wreak havoc. Residents can contact the police through emergency numbers 08032003702, 08098880172, or 08086671202, or via email at infoenugupolice@gmail.com.