Cancel your Homecoming rally – Kogi Police warns Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan

The Kogi State Police Command has directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in the Central Senatorial District, citing security concerns and a government ban on political gatherings.

In a statement on Tuesday, the State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, through the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, emphasized that the directive aligns with the state government’s Monday proclamation prohibiting rallies and political events.

“Following intelligence reports on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rallies and processions by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command has called on the organisers of the planned rally in Okene to cancel the event in the interest of peace,” the statement read.

The police warned that intelligence reports indicate plans by hoodlums to hijack the rally and cause unrest. “The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the state is currently enjoying. In view of the security threat, the Kogi State Police Command is advising the organisers to cancel the event to avoid any breakdown of law and order. The Command will not hesitate to enforce the law against anyone who disrupts public peace,” the statement added.

Despite the state government’s ban on political gatherings, Senator Akpoti-Uduagan remains defiant, insisting that her visit is not a political rally but a “homecoming” to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.