By Yunusa Isa, Gombe

The Nigeria Police Force Gombe State Command, has expressed readiness to provide security for peaceful protesters in the planned nationwide protest. However the command has equally issued stern warnings against plotters of violent protest across the state.

Speaking to newsmen during a press briefing at the state police command, the Police Commissioner CP Hayatu Usman, said the command is monitoring the developments surrounding the planned protest where some are preparing to go violent.

“Information at the disposal of the state command reveals that some criminal elements, mainly youth, are planning to unleash terror on innocent members of the public under cover of peaceful protest. The hoodlums have acquired dengerous weapons such as cutlasses, diggers and knives etc”.

While acknowledging the citizens rights to peaceful protest, the command said “In collaboration with all security agencies in the state, the police will not fold its arms and allow such individuals or groups with ulterior motives or hidden agender to endanger the life and property and destruction of public infrastructures. However, the command will respond professionally to prevent them from executing their evil plans”.

The commissioner however said men and officers of the command are ready to provide security and ensure safety of all peaceful protesters across the state.

“We will provide them with security and escort them to anywhere they wish to go round”, the CP assured.

While appealing to the citizens to provide security agencies with useful information about criminal elements that are planning to disturb the peace being enjoyed in the state, CP Hayatu warned criminals who might use the advantage to think twice.

“Once again, I am advising those planing for violent protest to have a rethink as the security agencies in the state will respond appropriately and professionally against any act of hooliganism”.

The command urged all groups planning for the protest to provide names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers, expected duration of the protest, assembly points and proposed protest routes and to know their grievances and where they intend to present them.

The police commissioner added that “By providing this information, it will enable the command to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, give maximum protection to the peaceful protesters, establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise, minimize the risk of violence and ensure no property is damaged or criminality recorded as well as prevent the protest from being hijacked by criminal elements”.

The police commissioner urged people of the state to be cautious of joining any protest group, calling on them to cooperate with police to promote peace and maintain public order.