The police have called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in Kogi State’s Central Senatorial District, citing concerns over security risks.

Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, issued the request in a statement on Tuesday, highlighting that the rally violates the state government’s recent ban on political gatherings. The ban was announced by the Kogi State government on Monday in response to security threats in the region.

According to the statement, the police had received intelligence indicating potential disruptions to the rally, with reports suggesting that hoodlums may attempt to hijack the event and cause unrest. Dantawaye emphasized that the security of the state and the preservation of peace were paramount, and urged the organisers to cancel the rally in order to prevent any disturbances.

“The call for cancellation is based on intelligence reports regarding security threats. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the state is currently enjoying,” the statement read. The police also warned that any attempts to defy the directive would result in legal action, stressing that they would not hesitate to take strong measures against anyone attempting to disrupt public order.

Despite the ban, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her stance that she will proceed with the rally. She described the event as a “homecoming” and emphasized that it is intended to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents in the region, rather than serving as a political gathering.

The situation continues to develop, and tensions remain high as both the police and the senator prepare for the planned event.