The Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State has declared a curfew in the area following the state’s ban on all political rallies and gatherings.
“The curfew, which is effective immediately, restricts movement and gatherings in certain areas,” the Executive Chairman of the LGA Amoka Eneji said in a statement issued on Tuesday. “Anyone found gathering or walking around restricted areas without permission from the relevant authorities will be arrested and charged to court. This is in line with the directive of the state government and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police”.
Eneji said the “decision is aimed at maintaining peace and order,” adding that the “safety and security of our people are our top priority”.
“We will not tolerate any actions that could compromise the peace and stability of our communities,” Eneji warned.
He said his administration is “working closely with security agencies to monitor the situation and take necessary actions”.
The curfew declaration came ahead of a rally by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the area. Before now, police authorities in the state have asked the lawmaker to cancel the homecoming event owing to security threats.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause a disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying,” the Kogi Police Command spokesman William Aya said in a statement earlier.
Senator Natasha has made headlines in recent months and was suspended by the Senate last month for breaching its rules. There are also moves to recall her from the Red Chamber.
However, the Kogi Central lawmaker argued that she is being witchhunted in the wake of her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.