The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has urged the “Take It Back” movement to reconsider their planned protest scheduled for October 1, 2024. This call was made during a meeting between the state’s police command and the group’s executive members in Lokoja, following a letter the police received from the group on September 27, 2024.
In a statement issued by the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Ovye Aya, the Commissioner acknowledged the group’s right to peaceful protest under the law but expressed concerns about the potential for the demonstration to be hijacked by disruptive elements. He warned that such situations could lead to violence, damage to property, and further strain the already fragile national economy.
“The Commissioner of Police advised the group to give the government more time to address the ongoing economic challenges and reconsider their protest,” the statement said.
The group’s leader, Mose Opeyemi, responded positively, assuring the Commissioner that as responsible and law-abiding youths, they had accepted his advice and remained committed to the peace and development of Kogi State.
Also present at the meeting were several senior police officers, including DCP Chike Louis Nwabuwa, ACP Aigbe Aghahowa, SP Emmanuel Abogonye, and DSP Christopher Okoebor. Representing the “Take It Back” movement, alongside Opeyemi, were members Oloruntoba Segun, Muhammed Abdul, Ande Joel, Michael John, Musa Matthew, Usman Alfa, Mohammed Usman Ahmed, Ibrahim Shaibu, and Adama Shaibu.
