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Killing of APC supporter: Police accuse Kogi SDP candidate, Yakubu, of undermining security efforts
Killing of APC supporter: Police accuse Kogi SDP candidate, Yakubu, of undermining security efforts
.Say he moves around with suspected thugs, engages in ‘political brigandage’
. Direct DCP, CID, SCID to investigate parties’ accusations and counter-accusations
The Kogi State Police Command says it has begun investigations into the circumstances that led to the killing of a supporter of the All Progressives Congress in Kotonkarfe, Kogi LGA of Kogi State on Saturday.
The Police, in a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, SP William Ovye Aya, for the Commissioner of Police, said the Command received a report where some persons were said to have been killed and injured in the process through political violence.
While assuring the people of the state that no stone would be left unturned to secure lives and property, the CP condemned, in strong terms, acts by some politicians whose stock-in-trade was violence and who had taken it upon themselves to cause mayhem and heat up the state through “their unguarded utterances and unregulated activities”.
He specifically accused the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the state, Muritala Yakubu, of conducts that had allegedly continued to jeopardize security efforts in the state, saying that the SDP candidate “moves around with a retinue of suspected political thugs armed to the teeth.”
“His riding rough-shod and engaging in political brinkmanship and brigandage is an ill-wind that blows no one any good,” the Police said in the statement.
According to the CP, while 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, or inform the Commissioner of Police nor the Command while embarking on political rallies.”
The statement said the CP had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, to commence a thorough, diligent and wholistic investigation of all acts of political violence, accusations and counter-accusations on all the Political Parties and Actors with a view to bringing offenders to book.
The statement reads in full: “The Kogi State Police Command received a report of alleged attack on the SDP Campaign at Koton-Karfe where some persons were said to have been injured in the process through political violence.
“The CP Kogi State Command CP Bethrand C.Onuoha psc(+) 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 and who have taken it upon themselves to cause mayhem and heat up the State through their unguarded utterances and unregulated activities.
“The CP further directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, SCID to commence a thorough, diligent and wholistic investigation of all acts of political violence, accusations and counter-accusations on all the Political Parties and Actors with a view to bringing all offenders to book.
“The CP assures of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of all lives and property in the State.
“He further stated that these instances of violence are attributed to the failure of most of the political actors to honour invitations and partake in series of Stakeholders Parleys/Interactions where issues bordering on security and the need to conduct political activities as enshrined in The Electoral Act are discussed.
“While Chairmen and Candidates of the other Political Parties have continued to honour Police Invitations to discuss petitions and or allegations with the Police, and other salient issues germane to peaceful campaigns, and that of the INTER-AGENCY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON ELECTION SECURITY (ICCES), be it emphasised here that several invitations (have been) extended to the SDP and ADC Candidates for interaction and consultation with the Police to shed light, provide explanations and give their own side of the story on Petitions written against them but to no avail.
“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, or inform the Commissioner of Police nor the Command while embarking on political rallies to enable the Police provide adequate security coverage.
“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.
“His riding rough-shod and engaging in political brinkmanship and brigandage is an ill-wind that blows no one any good.
“For instance on the complaint of Breach of Security Against The Executive Governor of Kogi State at Banda on 3rd June, 2023, the SDP Candidate, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has consistently refused to honour Police several invitations to give his own side of the story!
“Again, since he applied for Police Security, he was invited to come but till date, he refused to show up. He moves around with a retinue of suspected political thugs armed to the teeth. Consequently, the above facts and scenario, coupled with his recalcitrance and obduracy have continued to jeopardize Police Investigation and maintenance of law and order in the State.
“The CP uses this medium to sternly warn all the Political Parties in the State and their supporters to play by the Rules and stop heating up the State, desist from all forms of violence as anyone caught disrupting the prevailing peaceful environment in the State will be made to face the full wrath of the Law.
“He appealed to the Political Actors to give peace a chance by conducting themselves in peaceful manner and shunning all acts capable of truncating the peace, tranquility and unity of Kogi State.
“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.”
SP William Ovye Aya,
Police Public Relations Officer,
For: Commissioner of Police,
Kogi State Police Command
POCACOV Intensifies Sensitization on Cultism, Bullying, and Social Vices Among Students in Edo
In commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day Celebration, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Edo State Command, has reinforced its preventive policing efforts through a targeted sensitization outreach at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City.
The initiative forms part of the broader activities marking this year’s National Police Day, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” which emphasizes collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the public in fostering a safer society.
The sensitization programme witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, and the Edo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Kingsley Upeh. The team engaged students in an insightful and impactful session focused on the dangers of cultism, bullying, and other social vices prevalent among youths.
During the session, students were educated on the severe and far-reaching consequences of cult-related activities. These include violence, loss of lives, disruption of academic pursuits, and long-term damage to personal reputation and future opportunities. The speakers also highlighted how peer pressure, drug abuse, and negative social influences often serve as gateways into criminal behavior.
In an interactive segment, the Commissioner of Police stressed the legal implications of engaging in criminal acts, noting that involvement in cultism and related offences could lead to arrest, prosecution, and lifelong consequences that may hinder personal growth and career aspirations.
The issue of bullying was also extensively addressed, with emphasis on both its legal ramifications and psychological impact on victims. Students were encouraged to speak up against bullying, report incidents to school authorities or law enforcement, and support peers who may be affected.
Furthermore, the outreach underscored the importance of self-discipline, moral values, and making informed life choices. Students were urged to become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities by rejecting violence and promoting unity and mutual respect.
The POCACOV team reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with young people through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and strategic partnerships aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to policing, which prioritizes education, prevention, and community involvement.
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
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