Following the trending planned nationwide protest and the need to protect lives, property, and critical national assets, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, *CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+)*, has warned against acts of violence and breach of public peace by individuals or groups in the name of protest. 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 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. Or alternatively, call the Command's emergency numbers; 08032003702, 08098880172, or 08086671202, or send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com.
DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer,
Enugu State Command,
State Headquarters,
GRA, Enugu.
July 29, 2024.
