Protests in Rivers hijacked by hoodlums – Police
The Rivers State Police Command has issued a stern warning against any further breaches of peace or unlawful activities by protesters in the state, stating that decisive action will be taken to restore order and ensure the safety of all residents.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Command acknowledged that the ongoing protests in the state have been hijacked by hoodlums, leading to criminal activities.
The statement, signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, noted that the original organizers have lost control of the crowd.
The so-called protesters have begun harassing residents who are going about their lawful business.
The statement detailed that “protesters have been disrupting traffic flow, forcing passersby to attach leaflets to their vehicles, erecting canopies on main roads, destroying billboards, threatening traders to cease operations, and setting tires ablaze on roads, actions that are inconsistent with a peaceful protest”.
Iringe-Koko advised protesters to confine their activities to designated areas such as Abali Park and Pleasure Park.
The statement warned that any further disturbances will be “firmly resisted, and individuals found breaking the law will be arrested and prosecuted.”
The Police spokesperson, who emphasized that the situation has been overtaken by hoodlums, also urged parents and guardians to control their children and wards.
On Wednesday, hoodlums were said to have attacked peaceful protesters, as well as a Channels Television correspondent identified as Harris.
