We have no control over cows roaming Abuja streets

The Nigeria Police Force have said that the Osun Senator, Abuja Area Council Chairman, and Borno State Commissioner, who made inciting comments in the recent past are being investigated for possible prosecution.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed during a joint security news briefing by the spokespersons of the security, defence, and law enforcement agencies in Abuja.

“I was part of the team that questioned the distinguished Senator in Osun State. The law is very clear when it comes to inciting comments. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as we commence the electoral process.

“The Nigeria Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order, and we will not shy away from this responsibility, no matter whose ox is gored. Every inciteful statement listed here is under investigation presently, and the outcome will be released,” Iniedu said.

In midst of campaign for the Osun State off-cycle Governorship election, the Senator was alleged to have called on his supporters to kill opposition party members found holding rallies in his area. Also, the Abuja council chairman made comments threatening members of opposition political party in his area council, Dito the Borno State commissioner.

The FPRO cautioned politicians and political stakeholders to desist from making incendiary comments, saying that such statements are capable of causing crisis especially now that the campaigns for the 2027 general elections have commenced.

On why suspects arrested before and during the Osun governorship have not been prosecuted, Iniedu blamed it on witnesses not coming forward to give evidence.

“I want to confirm that during the elections, as of the morning of the elections, we had made arrests of about 154 persons.

“One of the challenges I must tell you now that we have, the law states that a case is made when there are two or three witnesses. The challenge we have in Nigeria right now is that most of our witnesses and those who have evidence to incidents do not come forward when it is time to go to court.

“And you know the implication of that in the court of law,” he said.

Responding to question on cows roaming the streets in the Federal Capital Territory, especially the city center, Iniedu said the Police have no responsibility for the control of animals.

“The department responsible for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence, or the cow is involved in the destruction of property or trespassing property.

“If the matter is reported to the nearest police station, we will commence investigation immediately. The Nigeria Police are saddled with a lot of complaints, and going out to look for cows is not one of our responsibilities,” he said.