Nasarawa Police warn organisers of a planned 10,000-woman protest in Lafia on August 17, urging dialogue and lawful channels to address grievances.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has warned organisers and intended participants against proceeding with a planned protest in Lafia, urging them to use lawful channels, dialogue and other legitimate means to express their grievances.
The command said the protest was reportedly being organised by Concerned Women in Politics, Lafia Local Government Area, with plans to mobilise about 10,000 women on Monday, August 17.
According to the police, the proposed protest is aimed at demanding an end to what the organisers described as the arbitrary arrest and illegal detention of suspected followers of retired Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the command’s position in a statement issued on Friday.
Nansel said the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, acknowledged citizens’ right to express grievances through lawful means but cautioned against the planned street demonstration because of the prevailing security situation in Lafia.
The commissioner urged the organisers and intended participants to engage relevant authorities through dialogue and other lawful avenues to seek redress for their grievances.
He warned that large street gatherings could potentially be hijacked by criminal elements, disrupt socioeconomic activities and infringe on the rights of other residents.
The police position is consistent with reports published on Friday confirming that the command was aware of the planned August 17 demonstration and had urged the organisers to explore alternative and lawful channels.
Mohammed assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights and maintaining peace and public order across Nasarawa State.
He, however, warned that security agencies would not allow individuals or groups to undermine the peace in the state.
According to him, anyone found engaging in conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace, obstructing lawful activities, destroying property, attacking persons or otherwise violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with existing laws.
The commissioner called on residents of Lafia and other parts of Nasarawa State to remain calm, law-abiding and peaceful.
He also urged residents to resist attempts to use the proposed protest as a platform for disorder or actions capable of threatening public safety.
The planned demonstration centres on allegations concerning the arrest and detention of people described by the organisers as suspected followers of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu.
Adamu, who previously served as Inspector-General of Police from 2020 to 2021, is a prominent figure in Nasarawa State and has remained active in the state’s political affairs.
The police statement did not provide details on the identities of those allegedly arrested or the specific circumstances surrounding their detention.
The command’s warning comes ahead of the proposed August 17 mobilisation, with the police urging stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The latest development highlights the delicate balance between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the responsibility of security agencies to prevent violence, obstruction of public activities and threats to public safety.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
