By Ummi Ismaeel,
Minna
The Police have arrested 17 persons in Niger State for allegedly planning to incite youths to protest and cause breach of peace.
They also commended youths in the state for displaying high level of responsibility notwithstanding provocations.
State Police Commissioner, Adamu Usman, stated in Minna that the 17 suspects arrested were hiding under the umbrella of #EndSARS, while planning to mobilize other youths in the state protest alleged police brutality.
He also disclosed that most of those arrested were from other states.
His words: “I hereby commend the youths of Niger State for displaying high level of responsibility, calmness, perseverance and restraint in the face of threats and calls from different quarters.
“Youths have been inundated with deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in the face of unwarranted provocations from other divisive elements, hiding under the umbrella of, EndSARS protest in the country”.
He also commended Niger State government, traditional institutions, communities and religious leaders, youth leaders and members of the press for their support and cooperation in the face of prevalent situation the country found itself and solicited for more proactive measures to check breakdown of law and order.
While pledging the state police command’s commitment towards guaranteeing security of lives and properties of Nigerlites, Usman appealed to parents and guardians to prevail on their wards to shun acts of lawlessness under whatsoever guise in the state.
“I wish to call on members of the public, parents and guardian in particular and as well, all relevant stakeholders at various level in the state to continue to prevail on their children and subjects to remain peaceful and shun acts of lawlessness”.
While encouraging citizens to go about their normal businesses without fears of attacks or intimidation, the commissioner assured that Niger state police command was prepared to provide adequate security for peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic nationalities in the state.
Usman disclosed that the 17 persons arrested would be charged to Court as soon as investigations were concluded.