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Police. Photo Credit: Elliot Ovadje
The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed circulating reports of violence in Government House, Port Harcourt, involving an alleged altercation between military personnel loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Additionally, the police confirmed that it is untrue that Fubara ordered a curfew or called for any form of security takeover by militant groups within the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, made this clear in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The statement, signed by the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, was sent to news outlets.
This clarification follows social media reports alleging casualties resulting from confrontations involving military personnel in the state.
However, Mohammed labelled the reports as untrue, unfounded, and a fabrication aimed at inciting fear and unrest in the oil- and gas-rich state.
In the statement titled “Re: Reports of Violence at Rivers State Government House Untrue, a Figment of the Author’s Imagination,” the police warned against such misinformation, given the potential dangers.
It partly reads: “The Rivers State Police Command unequivocally refutes the unsubstantiated report currently circulating, alleging a violent altercation at the Rivers State Government House involving supposed military forces allegedly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Sim Fubara.
“We can confirm that there was no such incident, and this narrative is a deliberate fabrication aimed at inciting fear, confusion, and unrest within Rivers State.
“There have been no reports of armed confrontations or casualties involving Nigerian military personnel within Rivers State.
“Furthermore, Governor Fubara has neither ordered a curfew nor called for any form of take-over of security operations within the state by militant groups.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security and law enforcement agencies remain in full control, actively maintaining peace and security in Rivers State and across the state.”
Continuing, the state police spokesperson added: “This false narrative serves no purpose other than to disturb the peace and tranquillity in the state.
“The public is therefore urged to disregard these false rumours and refrain from spreading unfounded and destructive reports. We call on everyone to verify information from credible sources and avoid sharing sensational and baseless claims intended to create discord.
“The Commissioner of Police in charge of Rivers State hereby reiterates that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the state.
“He equally encourages residents of Rivers State to go about their lawful activities without fear, as police officers and other security agencies are on the ground, vigilantly ensuring peace and security at all times.”
Meanwhile, checks by our correspondents revealed that Fubara was accompanied by soldiers to church in Port Harcourt on Sunday morning.
