TheCable

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has sealed all 17 local government secretariats in Plateau state.

This is sequel to the crisis sparked by the suspension of council chairmen.

A statement by Alfred Alabo, Plateau police command spokesperson, said the seal-up of the secretariats followed an order from Usman Baba, inspector general of police (IGP). 

On June 1, Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau governor, approved the immediate suspension of the 17 Local Government Area (LGA) leadership structures to pave way for an investigation by the state house of assembly.

Muftwang said the suspension followed the inability of the LGA bosses to produce documents related to financial transactions in the secretariats. 

The police said after the order, the seal-up became necessary because the suspended chairmen and their supporters became unruly.

“To this end, the NPF on the Plateau cannot sit and watch things go wrong under its watch, hence the need to make this critical decision of sealing up the local government secretariats,” NAN quoted Alabo as saying.

“The IG has ordered the commissioner of Police in Plateau, Bartholomew Onyeka, to seal up all the secretariats of all the local government areas in the state.

“This is necessary as a result of tension around the leadership of the councils, and the possible threat that supporters are posing to critical infrastructure, lives and properties in the state.

“The decision to take this action is in accordance with the exercise of our constitutional responsibility as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to ensure that the above doesn’t hold sway on the Plateau.”

The police spokesperson said the command will deal with anyone who attempts to violate the order, irrespective of the person’s status in society.