June 12: Desist from being used to perpetrate crime, Imo CP urges residents

Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr Abutu Yaro, has cautioned residents of the state against being used to perpetrate violence on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

The commissioner gave the caution in Owerri on Friday while reacting to social media reports of plans by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to fuel tension by hijacking the planned civil protests in some parts of the state.

He called on residents of the state to be cautious and not allow enemies of peace to destroy the relative peace being enjoyed in the state under the guise of Democracy Day protests.

Yaro described the planned protests as a ploy to heat up the polity and worsen the security challenges confronting the state.

“Thanks to police intelligence, we have uncovered plans by members of IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) to hijack civil protests on June 12.

“We advise Imo people to steer clear, because some of those conveners have ulterior motives.

“We will not tolerate any attempt by hoodlums to destabilise the state, and anybody or group that insists on disrupting the fragile peace in the state will meet his/her waterloo,’’ Yaro said.

He urged residents of the state to support efforts by the police and other security agencies to restore peace and create an enabling environment for commercial and business activities to thrive.

“We call on Imo residents to join hands with us to fully restore the peaceful atmosphere for which the state is known, so that businesses can thrive again and normal life restored,’’ he said.  (NAN)