Benue CP Tells Politicians: Avoid Thugs and Cultists in Campaigns

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has issued a stern warning to political parties and their candidates, advising them against engaging thugs and cult members for their campaign activities across the state. This caution was delivered during a significant peace accord signing ceremony held on Wednesday at the state police headquarters in Makurdi, where the Commissioner met with political party chairmen, candidates, representatives from other security agencies, and various key stakeholders.

According to a statement released on Thursday by DSP Peter Aondongu, the State Command’s Public Relations Officer, and made available to journalists in Makurdi, CP Nwadiogbu urged politicians to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, devoid of any form of violence. The police chief emphasized that the primary goal of the peace accord was to foster peaceful political engagement and maintain security throughout Benue State.

The statement further elaborated, stating that CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, while addressing the assembly, pressed upon political leaders and candidates the importance of ensuring their supporters adhere to peaceful and responsible conduct. He specifically cautioned them against recruiting or utilizing political thugs, cult groups, and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt legitimate political activities.

Following the Commissioner’s address, the participating political parties and candidates formally signed the Peace Accord. This act symbolized their collective pledge to reject political violence, respect the rights of fellow political actors, and collaborate with security agencies to uphold peace during the entire electoral process.

The Commissioner of Police assured all political entities and candidates that the Police Command would maintain a professional and impartial stance, committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities. He further encouraged stakeholders to maintain open and effective communication with the Police and other security agencies, particularly concerning scheduled rallies, campaigns, and other major political events.

The Command, through its statement, appealed to all political leaders, candidates, their supporters, and the general public to honor the spirit of the Peace Accord and collectively strive towards achieving peaceful and credible political activities in Benue State. The PPRO concluded by noting that all stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to peaceful campaigns, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding lives and property throughout the election period.