The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bennett Igweh, has issued a stern warning to residents and indigenes against participating in an upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1. The protest, organized in response to economic challenges in the country, has drawn attention and concern from authorities.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Commissioner Igweh emphasized the importance of maintaining security in the FCT. He urged residents not to engage in activities that could jeopardize the efforts made by law enforcement to ensure safety in the capital.
READ ALSO: Arewa Group Rejects ‘Sponsored’ Nationwide Protest, Urges Support for Tinubu Govt
“I want to appeal specifically to the residents, indigenes, and everybody in the FCT. Please, lions, do not destroy their dens. You cannot see a lion that destroys its den. No, I would not like you to join this protest. I plead with you because we have worked hard to ensure your safety,” Commissioner Igweh stated.
Highlighting the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel, Igweh pointed out recent losses in the line of duty. “We have fought those people outside Abuja. We have been to Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Niger to fight criminals so that you can be safe. I have lost men,” he lamented.
READ ALSO: Customs Cautions Nigerians Against Use of ‘Tokunbo’ Tyres
Acknowledging government efforts in infrastructure development, Igweh urged residents to appreciate the improvements in the FCT and cautioned against external influences that could disrupt peace. “If you check, the government has provided good roads.
Whether it’s from the minister of FCT or the president, check the streets in FCT, from Wuse to anywhere you can check, even in the hinterlands,” he noted.
In concluding his address, Commissioner Igweh urged maturity and appreciation from FCT residents. “Let us continue collectively to make the FCT safe. Let them go and do what they want to do. But not with us. Act maturely. Act like people who appreciate it. Even with the losses we have suffered to ensure your safety, Use it to appreciate us,” he appealed.