Benue CP warns politicians against recruiting thugs, cultists

Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, has warned political leaders and candidates participating in the forthcoming elections against recruiting or using thugs, cult members and other criminal elements to advance their political interests.

Nwadiogbu gave the warning during a meeting with chairmen of political parties, candidates, representatives of sister security agencies and other stakeholders at a peace accord signing ceremony in the state.

The Commissioner urged political actors to ensure that their supporters conducted themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process.

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A statement issued on Thursday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, and made available to journalists in Makurdi, said the peace accord was aimed at promoting peaceful political activities and sustaining security across the state.

According to the statement, Nwadiogbu particularly warned political leaders and candidates against recruiting or deploying political thugs, cult groups and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities.

He said the participating political parties and candidates subsequently signed the peace accord, signifying their commitment to rejecting political violence, respecting the rights of other political actors and cooperating with security agencies to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

The Commissioner assured all political parties and candidates that the command would remain professional and impartial while providing adequate security for all lawful political activities.

He also urged political stakeholders to maintain effective communication with the police and other security agencies, particularly when planning rallies, campaigns and other major political events.

The Commissioner called on political leaders, candidates, supporters and residents to uphold the spirit of the peace accord and work collectively towards peaceful and credible political activities in Benue State.

Aondongu said the stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigns, respect for the rule of law and protection of lives and property throughout the electoral period.