Police Deny Alleged Violent Clash At Rivers Government House

The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media of an alleged violent clash at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.

The alleged clash was said to involve military personnel loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In a statement released on Sunday, State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, clarified that there is no truth to claims that Governor Fubara had imposed a curfew or requested a security takeover by militant groups in the area.

The statement, issued by police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, was directed to various news outlets to address the false information circulating on social media regarding supposed casualties stemming from altercations involving military forces.

Mohammed categorically rejected these claims, labeling them as unfounded fabrications intended to incite panic and disrupt the peace in Rivers State, which is known for its oil and gas resources.

This clarification follows social media claims suggesting violent confrontations and casualties among military forces in the state.

The statement, titled “Re: Reports of Violence at Rivers State Government House Untrue, a Figment of the Author’s Imagination,” urged the public to dismiss such misinformation, warning of its potential to incite unrest.

The statement 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.

“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.”