The Police Command in Nasarawa State has announced a ban on all forms of protests to avert any breach of peace in the state following the just concluded elections in the state.
The command said its decision was sequel to an intelligence report of an impending breakdown of law and order in the state.
The information banning all forms of protests in the state was contained in a statement signed by the command ‘s spokesman, DSP Ramhan Nansel yesterday in Lafia.
Africa Today News, New York reports that protests had trailed the outcome of the last governorship and state house of assembly election in the state by members of the opposition political parties.
According to reports, women in large numbers led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women leader in the state, Mrs Stella Obosi had stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the cancellation of the governorship poll over alleged malpractices on March 21.
The group also marched through the streets of Akwanga town, Akwanga local government area calling on the authority to save the country’s democracy from being truncated.
The youth group within the main opposition party also slated another protest in Karu local government area in the coming days.
The police said certain elements planned to use the protests to undermine the fragile peace being enjoyed presently in the state.
It said, ‘The Nasarawa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that all forms of protests have been banned throughout the state.
‘Therefore, all proposed protests under any guise are hereby prohibited.
‘The police command took this decision in order to prevent the breakdown of law and order and to sustain the peace currently being enjoyed in the state; as the intelligent report on security can no longer sustain any form of protest in the state.
‘Consequently, parents and guardians are advised to ensure their children and wards do not violate this order as anyone caught shall be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.’
Africa Today News, New York reports that the women appear not to be prepared to give up their protests.