Police denies report of protests in Port Harcourt

As protests spread across parts of the country over increasing economic hardship on the populace, the Rivers State Police Command has denied reports making the rounds about disturbances in the Lagos and Port Johnson areas of Port Harcourt Town.

A statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, has it that the Commissioner Of Police, Olatunji Disu has categorically refuted the report, asserting that no such incidents have taken place in the state.

The command emphasised that Rivers State remains peaceful and secure, “urging individuals to refrain from spreading false information that could disrupt the peace and harmony of the state”. CP Disu warned that those found disseminating rumours through social media platforms would face consequences.

“The public is urged to disregard the misleading message and continue their lawful activities. The Command highlighted that the viral message was posted by mischievous individuals with the aim of destabilizing the peace in Rivers State. Contrary to the rumours, there have been no reports of assaults or looting of property and valuables in the state.

The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and called on the public to collaborate with security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality.

Meanwhile, the command has also announced an attack on some of its men attached to Operation Sting on 21st February 2024, during which an inspector was killed.

According to SP Iringe-Koko, “At approximately 21:45 hrs, while conducting routine stop and search at Eliozu flyover, the officers were ambushed by unidentified hoodlums operating in a carton-colored Sienna bus, with fully tinted glasses. The registration number of the vehicle remains unknown at this time”.

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“The assailants drove in from the Rumuodumaya axis, and opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one Inspector who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty. Undeterred, the police team responded with bravery, engaging the attackers and managing to neutralize one of them with mask on his face, while the others managed to escape, potentially sustaining gunshot wounds”, she added in a statement.

She said the Command had launched a thorough investigation into the incident and already identified the group responsible assuring that the police, would relentlessly pursue the criminals and bring them to justice.
The PPRO said; “No amount of intimidation will hinder our officers’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.

“It is important to emphasize that such acts of aggression against security forces detrimentally impact the safety and security of our entire society. The Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to maintain peace and protect the well-being of the populace.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc, reiterates unequivocally that those who perpetrate violence against policemen or any citizen will face the full weight of the law. We urge all law-abiding citizens to continue with their daily activities without panic, as we are determined to uphold our mandate of preserving lives and property in the face of such challenges.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen inspector, and we assure them that his sacrifice will not be in vain. Our resolve to serve and protect remains unwavering as we stand together against those who seek to disrupt the peace and harmony of our society”.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE