Ebonyi State Police Command has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, against any form of violent protest in the state.
The Labour Union had fixed 27 and 28 February, 2024, for a nationwide protest over the economic hardship in the country.
In a statement issued on Monday by Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, he said CP Augustina Ogbodo has directed massive deployment of police assets in the state in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The statement read in part, “in view of the planned protest by NLC scheduled to hold on 27th and 28th February 2024, CP Augustina Ogbodo PSC has directed massive deployment of police assets in the state in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to assure protesters of their safety and security and make sure the protest is not infiltrated by hoodlums.
“In an effort to guarantee a smooth protest, the Commissioner of Police (CP) convened a penultimate meeting with the labour leaders on February 26, 2024.
“They explored strategies to conduct the protest without disturbances. The CP emphasized that safeguarding lives and properties, including the safety of the protesters, is a fundamental duty of the police.
“However, she also underscored that while citizens have the right to engage in peaceful demonstrations, any form of violent protest is unlawful and will be met with zero tolerance.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Teams commanders to conduct patrols that would reinforce public confidence.
“These patrols would be coordinated with other sister security agencies to guarantee comprehensive policing of the state.
“The CP enjoins those who will participate in the protest to conduct themselves peacefully and assures Ebonyians of the command’s commitment to upholding the rights of the citizens and the rule of law, while urging them to go about their lawful businesses without any fear or intimidation while remaining vigilant and reporting any untoward situation to the nearest police station or the command control room on 07064515001.”
