Protest: Gombe Police Commits to Professional Conduct to Prevent Violence
By Rebecca Mu’azu, Gombe
The Police Command in Gombe State has pledged to act professionally during the planned protests from August 1 to 10, aiming to prevent any destruction of life and property throughout the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Usman, addressed journalists in Gombe, affirming the command’s recognition of citizens’ rights to peaceful protests, but warned that any individuals or groups with ulterior motives or hidden agenda to endanger lives and properties would face serious consequences.
CP Usman highlighted that the command had been closely monitoring the developments surrounding the planned protests, and urged all groups intending to protest to provide names and contact details of their leaders and organizers, the expected duration of the protests, assembly points, and proposed routes.
Providing these details, he said, would enable the police to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure safety, offer maximum protection to peaceful protesters, and establish clear communication channels to address any rising concern.
“This approach aims to minimize the risk of violence, prevent property damage, and avoid criminal activities from hijacking the protests.”
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CP Usman noted that the command had received information about certain criminal elements, primarily youths, armed with dangerous weapons, planning to exploit the protests to unleash terror on innocent members of the public.
The Commissioner called on Gombe State residents to caution anyone before they join the protests and to cooperate with the police in promoting peace and maintaining public order.
He also appealed to the public to provide any useful information to the police or other security agencies about criminal elements planning to disrupt peace.
In conclusion, the Gombe State Police Commission advised those contemplating violence to reconsider, warning that security agencies would respond appropriately and professionally to any acts of hooliganism.
