Kogi Police Halt Planned Sallah Rally Over Security Concerns.
The Kogi State Police Command has halted a planned Sallah rally in Okene Local Government Area, which was to be led by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Police Commissioner Miller Dantawaye announced the decision in a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Superintendent of Police Williams Ovye-Aya, in Lokoja on Tuesday.
According to reports, the senator had intended to visit her constituency on Tuesday as part of Sallah celebrations, with plans to engage with community members and foster unity. However, the police stated that intelligence reports indicated potential security threats, prompting a statewide ban on rallies and processions by the government.
The commissioner urged the organisers to cancel the rally in the interest of public peace, warning that hoodlums could exploit the gathering to cause unrest. He assured that the police would not allow any disruption to the state’s existing peace and stability.
“In view of the security threat received regarding the planned rally, the command advises the organisers to cancel the event to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” the statement read.
The commissioner further emphasised that the police would take firm action against anyone found attempting to disturb public order.
The decision reflects ongoing efforts by the authorities to maintain security and prevent potential disturbances in the state.