The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered investigations into the recent spate of alleged politically-motivated killings and attacks in Anyigba local government area of Kogi State, ahead the scheduled November 11 gubernatorial elections in the State.
The IGP gave the order on Wednesday, 8th November 2023, at a crucial meeting which he convened in Lokoja, the State capital, with stakeholders in the State.
TheFact Daily recalls that members of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, had on Tuesday stormed the Police headquarters in Abuja, protesting the killing of three policemen and some members of the party at Anyigba, Kogi State.
Earlier today, the Kogi State governorship candidate of the Party, Murtala Ajaka, at a press conference in his campaign office in Abuja, alleged that a combined team of police officers and thugs invaded the residence of his campaign Director, Ibrahim Jubril, in an attempt to assassinate him in the early hours of Tuesday. According to him, it was by the grace of God that he is alive, adding that three police officers who were assigned to him lost their lives in the attack.
During the meeting, the Police Chief charged the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the case for thorough investigation in order to ascertain all parties concerned, their respective levels of involvement and to ensure justice by all means.
While encouraging political leaders to play a significant role in maintaining the peace by promoting a culture of non-violence among their supporters and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted without any form of intimidation or coercion, IGP Egbetokun reiterated that the Force is committed to impartiality and neutrality throughout the electoral process and will take decisive action against any person who engages in any form of misconduct or violence.
He also charged candidates and their followers to embrace peace as the police and other decurity agents would not spare anyone caught fomenting troubles during the electioneering process.
The meeting, whose primary goal was to engage in constructive dialogue, share information, and strategize on measures to guarantee a free, fair, credible, and peaceful electoral process in the State, brought together various stakeholders including political leaders, representatives of political parties, civil society organizations electoral officials, traditional and religious leaders, youth leaders, and security agencies.
