Kogi State Commissioner of Police Advises Protest Group to Reconsider Plans, Citing Economic Challenges

In a move aimed at preventing potential unrest, Bethrand Onuoha, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, has asked a group planning to stage a protest on October 1 to reconsider their decision and give the government more time to address the nation’s economic challenges. This appeal was made during an engagement with the executives of the "Take It Back" movement, Kogi State chapter, at the command headquarters in Lokoja on Saturday.

The Commissioner’s statement, released by Police Public Relations Officer William Aya on Sunday, emphasized the group’s right to peaceful protest according to existing laws. However, he urged them to avoid playing into the hands of disgruntled elements or hoodlums, which could lead to violent clashes, property damage, and economic losses.

During the meeting, the group’s leader assured the Commissioner of Police that they would accept his advice and remain committed to peace, progress, and development in Kogi State. The leader also stated that the group’s executive members would discuss the issues raised by the Commissioner and come to a reasonable resolution regarding their participation in the protest.

Present at the meeting were top police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Chike Nwabuwa, Assistant Commissioner of Police Aigbe Aghahowa, and several other senior officers. The group’s members in attendance included Coordinator Mose Opeyemi, Oloruntoba Segun, and other prominent youths.

The Commissioner’s intervention has been commended by the group, who view it as a constructive effort to enlighten them on their responsibilities as future leaders and guardians of development in Kogi State. With this development, the prospects of a peaceful and fruitful protest seem more likely.