The Police have explained why some alleged supporters of African Democratic Congress (ADC) were dispersed and prevented from gaining access to Murtala Square in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The Kaduna Police Command said this while insisting that the incident was a security situation at Murtala Square and not an attempt to prevent political expression or association.
The Command also urged members of the public to disregard what he described as misleading narratives surrounding the incident.
While explaining the circumstances that led to the incident in a statement on Thursday, spokesperson for Kaduna Command DSP Mansir Hassan said police intervened following a distress call from security personnel attached to Murtala Square that some persons were attempting to forcefully gain entry into the premises.
He said police personnel were immediately deployed to the location to prevent a breach of security and maintain public order.
According to him, on arrival, the police observed a large number of persons carrying banners bearing the acronym “ADC”.
Hassan said the police advised the group that anyone intending to hold an event or gain access to Murtala Square was required to follow due process and obtain the necessary authorisation from the management.
He added that the police subsequently withdrew from the area after the situation appeared to have been brought under control.
He, however, said the group later proceeded along WAFF Road towards NEPA Roundabout by Ahmadu Bello Way, one of the major commercial routes in the metropolis.
“The protesters blocked the roadway, resulting in severe traffic congestion and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill,” he said.
The PPRO said the obstruction led to frustration among the group, cyclists and motorists, resulting in agitation, confrontation and a breakdown of public order.
He said the police intervened to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation, adding that minimal and proportionate force, including tear gas, was used to disperse the crowd.
Hassan said the command respected the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
He, however, stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the ambit of the law.
He said citizens should not obstruct major public roads, threaten public safety or infringe on the rights of other members of the public.
The PPRO also clarified that the command had never attempted to stop any lawful political gathering or peaceful assembly.
The Kaduna governorship candidate of ADC, Isa Ashiru, had in a statement released earlier on Thursday called for investigation of alleged attack on party members during the rally
Ashiru in the statement issued by his Media/Spokesperson, Mr Abdulwaheed Adubi claimed that ADC members and supporters were attacked during a rally in Kaduna city organised by the Arise & Shine Isa Ashiru Support Group to commemorate the flag-off of the party’s governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns.
He claimed the rally was disrupted by members of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) with some of the participants injured while others have their phones stolen.
The ADC candidate also claimed the organisers obtained the necessary permits from relevant law-enforcement authorities before proceeding with the rally.
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