The Rivers State Police Command has issued a warning that criminals have taken over the #EndBadGovernance protests in the state, targeting motorists and businesses. Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers police spokesperson, made this statement on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
Iringe-Koko expressed concern about the situation, stating that measures are being put in place to maintain order.
She said, “The ongoing protests in Rivers have devolved into criminal activities, with hoodlums harassing residents going about their lawful business.”
The police spokesperson detailed the criminal activities, saying, “They have been disrupting traffic, forcing motorists to attach leaves to their vehicles, erecting canopies on main roads, destroying billboards, and threatening traders.”
She added, “The protesters have also set tyres ablaze on the roads.”
According to Iringe-Koko, the protest organizers are losing control of the crowd. She emphasized that such behavior does not align with peaceful protest and called for calm.
The police have advised protesters to confine their activities to designated areas. “Protesters are advised to confine their activities to designated areas of Abali Park and Pleasure Park,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She warned, “Any further disruption will be met with firm resistance, and offenders will face arrest and prosecution.”
The spokesperson also urged parents to caution their children and wards, stating, “We also urge parents to caution their children and wards, as the police will not tolerate any breach of peace and unlawful activities.”
In a related development, Iringe-Koko dismissed reports of an attack on former governor Nyesom Wike’s private residence in Port Harcourt by demonstrators.
“I am not aware of such an incident; I am sure nothing like that happened,” she told journalists.
She assured that the police would investigate the matter and share its findings with the public.
