The Rivers Police Command have said that the ongoing nationwide protest in the state has been hijacked by criminal elements.
Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police in a statement on Wednesday, August 7, said the criminals are now targetting motorists and businesses in the state.
According to Iringe-Koko, measures are being implemented by the Police to maintain order in the state.
She said, “The ongoing protests in Rivers have devolved into criminal activities, with hoodlums harassing residents going about their lawful business.
“They have been disrupting traffic, forcing motorists to attach leaves to their vehicles, erecting canopies on main roads, destroying billboards, and threatening traders.”
She also stated that the protesters had also set tyres ablaze on the roads and that the organisers were losing control of the crowd.
Noting that such behaviour was not indicative of a peaceful protest, Iringe-Koko urged the protesters to confine their activities to designated areas of Abali Park and Pleasure Park.
She added, “Any further disruption will be met with firm resistance, and offenders will face arrest and prosecution.
“We also urge parents to caution their children and wards, as the police will not tolerate any breach of peace and unlawful activities.”
