The Benue State Police Command has warned against any protests in any part of the state, citing the fragile security situation.

The followed the armed robbery attack in Otukpo last Friday, which claimed the lives of several people, including an Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, and three police officers.

In a statement, the command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, described the planned protest as “a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the fragile security situation that is currently being handled.”

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka has described this as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the fragile security situation that is currently being handled.

“He further explained that a protest at this time would avail hoodlums and other criminal-minded persons an opportunity to cause mayhem,” the statement partly read.

The police boss warned intending protesters to refrain from such actions as the environment is not conducive for a protest at the moment.

He also directed the Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to tighten up security in their areas of responsibility and resist any efforts of protesters to encourage breach of peace.

Onyeka also called on stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth leaders, and parents to warn their children/ wards to desist from any form of protest at this sensitive time.

The Commissioner of Police assured the people of the state of his commitment to fight crime and enjoined the people to provide useful and timely information to the police.