By Frank Momoh
The Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has ordered a 24hr police surveillance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.
The order came following the violent protest by members of the El-Zakzakky group, at the National Assembly, Abuja, which he said led to the unprovoked assault on and injury to Police personnel on lawful duty as well as willful damage to public properties,
Mr. Frank Mba in a statement said: “Similarly, the Commissioners of Police and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police in States contiguous to the FCT were also placed on the alert to ensure maximum security in their respective Areas of responsibility (AOR) to avert any possible breach of public safety and security.
“While noting that the Force is not against citizens expressing their grouse against the State, the IG stressed that such ventilation must be done through legitimate and acceptable processes and not by taking the laws into their own hands.”
He therefore warned that citizens should not test the collective will of the People and the State by engaging in lawless acts likely to cause the breach of the peace.
Meanwhile, the IG has ordered a speedy and diligent investigation into the incident as well as prompt prosecution of all the persons arrested and now in Police custody in connection with the incident.
In the statement, he reiterated his displeasure with the unwarranted and unjustifiable attack on, and injury to 9 Police officers by members of the El-Zakzakky group and commended the restraint, maturity and professionalism displayed by Police personnel in containing the protest.
The Police boss directed its medical department to ensure that proper and prompt medical attention is given to the injured officers and wished the victims quick recovery, the statement added.