The Kogi State Police Command has issued a formal advisory calling for the immediate cancellation of a planned homecoming rally for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, raising serious security concerns about the scheduled event.
In an official statement released Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer William Aya revealed that credible intelligence reports indicate criminal elements are plotting to infiltrate and disrupt the celebration. “The Command has received verified intelligence confirming that certain hoodlums intend to hijack this gathering to create chaos and destabilize the relative peace currently enjoyed across Kogi State,” Aya stated emphatically.
The police warning comes in strict adherence to the state government’s standing prohibition on all political rallies and mass processions. Authorities emphasized that the prohibition remains firmly in effect despite the celebratory nature of the planned event, which was organized to honor Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent Court of Appeal victory that affirmed her electoral win.
“While we understand the enthusiasm surrounding this occasion, we cannot in good conscience allow any gathering that threatens public safety,” Aya continued. “The Kogi State Police Command strongly advises the event organizers to voluntarily cancel this rally to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.”
The statement carried an unambiguous warning about consequences for non-compliance: “Let this serve as clear notice that the Command will not hesitate to deploy all necessary legal measures against any individual or group found instigating disturbances. We are fully prepared to enforce the full weight of the law to maintain peace.”
This development follows heightened political tensions in Kogi State, where security agencies have maintained a tight grip on public assemblies since the contentious 2023 governorship elections. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent opposition figure, has not yet issued an official response to the police directive as of press time.
Security analysts suggest this police action reflects growing concerns about politically-motivated violence in the North Central region, where inter-party rivalries have occasionally erupted into public unrest. The Command has assured residents of increased surveillance and patrols to prevent any unauthorized gatherings.
Observers note that the handling of this situation may test the delicate balance between constitutional rights to assembly and the government’s mandate to ensure public safety in Nigeria’s often volatile political climate.
