In response to the tense atmosphere in several Local Government Councils in Plateau State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered the immediate shutdown of 17 LGA secretariats.
This directive follows the recent suspension of the 17 LGA Council Chairmen by the State House of Assembly, a decision that was later ratified by the State Government.
Last week, the State Government appointed Caretaker Committee Chairmen to oversee the affairs of the Councils. However, this move has been met with resistance from the suspended chairmen, resulting in escalating tensions and the potential for clashes in various councils.
The IGP conveyed this order through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, in the state capital, Jos, on Thursday.
According to DSP Alfred Alabo, the IGP stated, “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has directed the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Onyeka, to seal off all 17 Local Government Secretariats in the state.”
“This decision has become necessary due to the tensions surrounding the leadership of the Local Government Areas and the potential threat that supporters and Local Government Chairmen pose to critical infrastructure, as well as lives and properties in the state,” Alabo added.
He emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the maintenance of law and order, stating, “The Nigeria Police Force cannot sit idly by and watch things deteriorate under our watch. Therefore, the critical decision to seal off the Local Government secretariats has been made.”
The Command issued a stern warning, declaring that it will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the process or incite confusion at the Local Government Secretariats, asserting that “the law will take its full course” against those found guilty of such acts.
Meanwhile, CP Bartholomew Onyeka expressed his appreciation for the continued understanding and cooperation of the citizens of Plateau State. He urged them to continue their lawful activities while assuring them of the police force’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
