The Kogi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of an All Progressives Congress (APC) supporter in Kotonkarfe, Kogi LGA, on Saturday.
The incident occurred amidst rising political tension in the state, leading to accusations against Muritala Yakubu, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, SP William Ovye Aya, for the Commissioner of Police, on Sunday, it was revealed that the police received a report of violent clashes that resulted in fatalities and injuries during political activities.
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“The CP Kogi State Command wishes to sympathize with all victims of political violence in the State while condemning in strong terms some politicians whose stock-in-trade is violence,” CP Bethrand C. Onuoha stated.
CP Onuoha singled out Yakubu, the SDP candidate, for alleged conduct that has continually undermined security efforts in the state.
“His riding rough-shod and engaging in political brinkmanship and brigandage is an ill-wind that blows no one any good,” Police Public Relations Officer SP Aya stated.
The CP also highlighted the SDP candidate’s consistent refusal to cooperate with the police.
“While these other Parties have been carrying the Police along in their activities, the SDP Candidate has consistently and vehemently refused to honour any of Police invitations for investigation,” SP Aya explained.
The police have directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to initiate a comprehensive investigation into all cases of political violence and accusations, involving all political parties and actors, with the aim of holding wrongdoers accountable.
Onuoha emphasized the importance of political actors working with the police to ensure security and peaceful campaigns as stipulated in the Electoral Act.
“His refusal to deal with the Police is undermining peace in the State, has been impeding efforts to stream-line and regulate political activities which in turn has greatly contributed to the pockets of political violence being witnessed in the State presently,” SP Aya added.
The Commissioner of Police urged all political parties and their supporters to maintain peaceful conduct and refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the peace, unity, and tranquility of Kogi State.
The police, he stated, remain committed to maintaining law and order in the state and will take decisive action against those who refuse to cooperate.
“To this end, the CP therefore, for the last time, warns would-be trouble-makers to have a change of heart and desist from acts of intolerance as the Police is ever determined to deal decisively with anyone who will not give peace a chance in the State,” Onuoha sternly warned.
