Nationwide Protest: Enugu CP Reveals Sinister Plans To Hijack Exercise

_…tasks would-be organizers to shelve the planned protest, or strictly adhere to the law, apply, and get approval before proceeding_

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has warned against acts of violence and breach of public peace by individuals or groups in the name of protest.

Uzuegbu stated this through the Command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, on Monday.

The warning, the CP said became important considering available intelligence revealing 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.

Uzuegbu, reiterated the 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.