Police never banned school devotion, says IGP

Police never banned school devotion, says IGP
November 9, 2015 • By pmnews
Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase
Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase
Contrary to recent reports, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase said on Sunday said that the Police Force did not issue order banning assembly devotion in primary and secondary schools anywhere in Nigeria.
Recent reports had indicated that morning devotion usually held in schools across the country have been banned following a directive by the police.
Police were said to have issued the order which has been condemned by the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria over fears that Boko Haram terrorists may take advantage of such gatherings to attack students.
But in a statement signed by Olabisi Kolawole, the spokesperson of the Police on Sunday, the IG said its instruction on the issue was only advisory against the backdrop of current security challenges in the country.
Kolawole, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP said the advise was directed predominantly to states where there is insurgency, enjoining them to apply caution in the said assembly so that such congregations do not present soft target for insurgents.
“Reminding citizens of their freedom to worship as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Police High Command states that the Nigeria Police Force did not stop anybody from taking part in prayer sessions organised by schools, churches and mosques, describing the congregation as the constitutional and democratic rights of Nigerians,” Kolawole said.
“The IGP calls on the general public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the security, safety and peace our schools need, as security is a collective responsibility.
“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, therefore, reassures Nigerians of the Police’s determination to strengthening and enhancing the safety and security of all residents of Nigeria while counting on Nigerians to continue to support and work in synergy with the Nigeria Police Force toward the achievement of its constitutional mandate,” she added.