Amidst Rivers crisis, police take over LG secretariats

The Rivers State Police Command has taken control of the secretariats of the 23 local government areas in the state, following the recent crisis over the tenure of the local government council chairmen.

According to a statement issued Tuesday night in Port Harcourt, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Grace Iringe-Koko explained that the decision was prompted by the killing of a policeman and a local vigilante member during a clash at the Omuma local government area secretariat.

The statement read in part: “Following the breakdown of law and order at various local government council secretariats in Rivers State, where supporters of two political factions clashed over the tenure of the local government council chairmen, a police officer and a vigilante were killed at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA.

“To prevent further bloodshed and a further breakdown of law and order, the police have taken control of all 23 council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state. Both conventional and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.

“While urging all groups and individuals to remain law-abiding, the command warns that anyone intending to cause mayhem will face the full weight of the law.

“We also assure law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to continue their lawful activities without fear. We are committed to fulfilling our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.”