‘The original organizers have lost control of the crowd” – Police issue fresh warning to Rivers protesters

The Rivers Police has warned that the original organisers of the ongoing hardship protest in the State have lost control of the crowd resulting in lawlessness and crime.

A statement by Rivers Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said hoodlums had hijacked the protest and have been going about harassing other residents carrying out their lawful business activities.

The statement said the protesters were disrupting the traffic flow, forcing passersby to attach leaflets to their vehicles, erecting canopies on main roads, destroying billboards, threatening traders to cease operations, and setting tires ablaze on the roads.

The force vowed that individuals found taking the law into their own hands would be arrested and prosecuted, calling on parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards.

The statement on Wednesday morning, August 7 reads; 

“The Rivers State Police Command has become aware that the ongoing protests in the state have been hijacked by hoodlums, resulting in criminal activities. The original organizers have lost control of the crowd.

“The so-called protesters have resorted to harassing other residents going about their lawful business activities. They have disrupted traffic flow, forced passersby to attach leaflets to their vehicles, erected canopies on main roads, destroyed billboards, threatened traders to cease operations, and set tires ablaze on the roads – actions that are uncharacteristic of a peaceful protest.

“Protesters are advised to confine their activities to the designated areas of Abali Park and Pleasure Park. Any disturbance of the peace will be firmly resisted, and individuals found taking the law into their own hands will be arrested and prosecuted.

“The police hereby warn that the situation has been taken over by hoodlums and call on parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards.

“Protesters are strongly advised to restrict themselves to the designated protest areas. The Rivers State Police Command will not tolerate any breach of peace or unlawful activities, and will take decisive action to restore order and protect the safety of all residents”.