The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has warned political parties and candidates in the state against recruiting thugs, cult members and other criminal elements for political activities.
Nwadiogbu issued the warning on Wednesday during a peace accord signing ceremony held at the state police headquarters in Makurdi, attended by chairmen of political parties, candidates, representatives of sister security agencies and other stakeholders.
The Commissioner urged political leaders and candidates to ensure that their supporters conducted themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process.
He specifically cautioned politicians against using thugs and cult groups to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities.
“He particularly warned against the recruitment or use of political thugs, cult groups and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities,” the statement said.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
According to the statement, the peace accord was designed to promote peaceful political activities and sustain security across the state.
The accord was subsequently signed by participating political parties and candidates, who committed themselves to rejecting political violence, respecting the rights of other political actors and cooperating with security agencies to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
“The Peace Accord was subsequently signed by participating political parties and candidates, signifying their collective commitment to reject political violence, respect the rights of other political actors and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace throughout the electoral process,” the statement read.
Nwadiogbu assured all political parties and candidates that the police command would remain professional and impartial in providing adequate security for lawful political activities.
He also urged political stakeholders to maintain effective communication with the police and other security agencies, particularly when planning rallies, campaigns and other major political activities.
“The Commissioner assured all political parties and candidates that the Police Command would remain professional, impartial and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities,” the statement said.
The Commissioner further called on political leaders, candidates, supporters and residents to uphold the spirit of the peace accord and work together towards peaceful and credible political activities in Benue.
“The Command therefore calls on all political leaders, candidates, supporters and the general public to uphold the spirit of the Peace Accord and work collectively towards peaceful and credible political activities in Benue State,” he said.
The stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigns, respect for the rule of law and the protection of lives and property throughout the electoral period.
