Residents of Rivers State have been cautioned by the Police against any further disruptions of peace or engaging in unlawful activities during protests. The Police have emphasized that they will take decisive action to restore order and ensure the safety of all residents.
A statement released on Wednesday by the Rivers State Police Command acknowledged that the ongoing protests in the state have been taken over by hoodlums, leading to a surge in criminal activities.
According to the statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the original organizers of the protests have lost control over the crowd, paving the way for undesirable elements to infiltrate.
These infiltrators have started to intimidate residents who are carrying out their daily activities within the confines of the law.
The statement outlined various disruptive actions by these so-called protesters, including disrupting traffic flow, coercing passersby to accept leaflets, obstructing main roads with canopies, vandalizing billboards, intimidating traders to halt operations, and setting fires on roads – actions that deviate from the essence of peaceful demonstrations.
Iringe-Koko advised protesters to restrict their demonstrations to designated areas such as Abali Park and Pleasure Park to prevent further chaos.
It was firmly stated in the statement that any additional disturbances will be met with strong resistance, and individuals found violating the law will be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly.
The Police spokesperson, while highlighting the infiltration of hoodlums into the situation, urged parents and guardians to exercise control over their children and wards to prevent them from participating in unlawful activities.
Reports surfaced on Wednesday of hoodlums attacking peaceful protesters as well as a Channels Television correspondent named Harris.