{
  "id": 8063471,
  "title": "Benue: Police warns politicians against using thugs, cultists ahead of elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/benue-police-warns-politicians-against-using-thugs-cultists-ahead-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T17:02:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/17/benue-police-warns-politicians-against-using-thugs-cultists-ahead-of-elections/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Benue State Police Command convened a meeting on September 15, 2026, with political party leaders, candidates, security agencies, and other stakeholders to sign a Peace Accord. This accord aims to foster peaceful political activities and enhance security during the electoral period. The signing took place in Makurdi on September 16, 2026. The attendees included state chairmen of political parties, flag bearers and candidates, representatives of law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.\n\nAll participants pledged their commitment to ensuring peaceful campaigns, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding lives and property throughout the electoral process. Commissioner of Police for Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, addressed the gathering, urging political leaders and candidates to maintain discipline among their supporters. He explicitly warned against the recruitment or utilization of political thugs, cult groups, and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities.\n\nIn response, the political parties and candidates signed the Peace Accord, signaling their dedication to rejecting political violence and respecting the rights of other political actors. The police command assured all parties and candidates of its commitment to providing impartial and professional security throughout the electoral period. The command also encouraged stakeholders to maintain open communication with the police and other security agencies, especially in relation to planned rallies, campaigns, and major political activities.\n\nThe Benue State Police Command appealed to political leaders, candidates, supporters, and members of the public to adhere to the principles outlined in the Peace Accord and collaborate towards ensuring peaceful and credible political activities across the state.",
  "summary": "The Benue State Police Command has brought together political party leaders, candidates, security agencies and other stakeholders in the state to sign a Peace Accord aimed at promoting peaceful political activities and strengthening security during the electoral period. This was disclosed in a statement signed by DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, Police Public Relations Officer, for […] Benue: Police…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}