Kogi Guber: SDP fingers police squad leader as violence intensifies
Social Development Party, SDP, has called on the Inspector General of Police to probe the activities of the Head of Police Quick Response Team in the State for allegedly aiding the activities of political thugs.
Addressing a press conference in Lokoja on Thursday, the Chairman, Muri/Sam Campaign Council, Col. Suleiman Babanawa told journalists that an officer attached to the Quick Response Team acted on the instructions of his boss to allegedly follow some political thugs to cause mayhem on supporters of SDP in Ajaka, under Igalamela Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State House.
Babanawa, who expressed displeasure over the activities of some serving police officers, appealed to the Inspector General of Police to call the accused police officer to order.
Narrating how an officer attached to Kogi State Police Quick Response Unit was arrested when he allegedly accompanied some political thugs to Ajaka community, the former military officer stated that he met his waterloo after he and his gang (alleged political thugs) were overpowered by supporters of SDP in Ajaka.
He said, “When political thugs entered Ajaka community, they started attacking our supporters, destroying our properties.
“Fortunately for us, our supporters overpowered them. The people were able to apprehend a suspect who happens to be a serving Police Officer attached to the Quick Response Unit, (QRU) in Kogi State.
“When the people wanted to lynch him, immediately he pleaded with them insisting that he is a police officer acting under the instructions of his boss.
“We perceive that the CP is a man of integrity. He should watch that the few bad eggs will not dent his image. The inspector General of Police should look into the activities of the Quick Response team in Kogi.
“It is a known fact that some bad eggs in the command have been deployed to Kogi East, and we are aware of their evil plans.
“It is totally unbelievable that security agencies that were supposed to protect the people were seen harassing and intimidating those they are supposed to serve.
“We are calling on the world to see what we are going through in Kogi State.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of SDP, Sam Abenemi, who spoke alongside Hajia Mariam Salifu, women Leader of SDP, decried the level of attack on supporters of the party, calling on the Federal Government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that security agencies maintained their absolute discipline in discharging their duties.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command, has begun investigation into a trending video where a police officer was seen in the pool of his blood as a result of the political clash in the Eastern part of Kogi State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP William Ovye Aya disclosed this to DAILY POST on Thursday.
The Police spokesperson, who did not mention the name of the officer, added that the suspect has been transferred to Lokoja, and is currently in their custody.
“We are investigating the issue that happened yesterday. When we get full information, the police will brief the press,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the said police officer was on an illegal duty when the incident occurred.
