Police beef up security in Delta ahead of hunger protest

Delta State Police Command has ordered massive deployment across the state ahead of the planned nationwide hunger protest which begins on August 1, 2024.

This, according to a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, is to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

In the statement made available to journalists in Warri on Monday, the PPRO explained that “undercover police operatives from the State Intelligence Department have also been deployed to monitor activities during the protest and also identify miscreants who want to cause mayhem during the protest”.

The statement noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, called on organisers of the protest in the state to submit the details of their activities as regards the protest in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that all organisers of the protest give details of their activities to their respective police commands for security arrangements before the commencement date.

The required details, according to the statement are the proposed protest/assembling point and routes; expected duration of the protest; names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers; as well as measures to prevent hijack by criminal elements.

“The Commissioner of Police urged both the organisers and those embarking on the protest to cooperate with the Command to ensure that the proposed protest is carried out peacefully without being hijacked by unscrupulous persons,” the statement added.

Also, the Commissioner of Police assured residents in the state that the command will deploy all available resources to ensure that residents are protected during and after the protest and will continue to maintain law and order throughout the state.

“Those participating in any form of protest are therefore advised to ensure that they maintain the sanctity of public gathering and lawful assembly and avoid acts capable of leading to a breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement concluded.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]