DSS warns of plot to incite ethno-religious crisis

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a security alert over plot by some elements to incite violence in parts of the country, particularly the North Central.

The DSS said the aim was to cause ethno-religious crisis, ignite reprisals, and heat up the polity.

The agency added that the sponsors have mobilised foot soldiers and held several meetings in and outside the target areas.

The DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, made this known via a statement made available to The Star on Saturday night.

Afunanya noted that the secret police was also “aware of a plot to use students, striking university teachers, labour unions, disgruntled individuals and strategic groups as well as exploit the global energy situation to carry out a mass protest like the ENDSARS. This is despite ongoing efforts by government to address the issues.”

The DSS spokesperson added: “While the Service views the machination as unpatriotic, it is on the trail of the agents of destabilisation who are desirous of using violence to achieve ulterior goals.

“Though it has emplaced measures to disrupt these tendencies, it warns the ring leaders and their cohorts to desist from acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. The public should be rest assured that the Service will, in conjunction with other security agencies, go after the sponsors of this scheme and ensure the law takes it course.

“Citizens are advised not only to engage according to rules but should resist persuasions to be used to destroy their own country. Those who may wish to go contrary to the law will, however, face the consequences,” the statement read.

The Star