The Commissioner of Police in Enugu state, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has warned against planned acts of violence and breach of public peace by individuals or groups in the name of protest.

The commissioner gave the warning in a statement issued on his behalf by the police public relations officer in the state, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Monday in Enugu.

The police boss noted that the protest should be cancelled, considering available intelligence revealing plans of criminal elements to infiltrate and hijack the planned protest.

According to him, some hoodlums, who are planning to hijack the protest, will definitely unleash mayhem on law-abiding citizens and property in the state.

“Following the trending planned nationwide protest, there exists intelligence that some hoodlums, as experienced during the violent “End SARS” protests, intend to attack fellow citizens, destroy property and perpetrate acts of looting.

“However, with the collaborative commitment of the police and other security forces, we will deal decisively with such criminal elements.

“The police also recognises the constitutional rights of citizens to lawfully assemble and express their grievances, as currently touted.

“However, it will be completely unacceptable for them to allow such assemblies or protests to be hijacked and made to become violent, especially in these challenging times,” he said.

The commissioner cautioned those intending to carry out the planned protests in Enugu state to find reasons to shelve the plans, given the available intelligence and seek alternative peaceful means to express their grievances.

Mr Uzuegbu noted that proceeding with the idea of the planned protest, the organisers would be required to strictly adhere to existing laws, particularly the Public Order Act.

“Hence, they must apply, stating their leaders, date, time, place of takeoff, and duration of the exercise, subject to thorough assessment and approval of such applications.

“We are urging residents of Enugu State to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and promptly report to the nearest police station criminals that may want to hide under the guise of the protest to wreak havoc.

“They can alternatively, call the Command’s emergency numbers; 08032003702, 08098880172, or 08086671202, or send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com,” he said.

(NAN)