Police dismiss report of shooting at Rivers PDP secretariat

The Rivers State Police Command has refuted reports of a shooting incident involving rival political groups at the Peoples Democratic Party secretariat in Port Harcourt.

While acknowledging internal tensions within the party, the police described claims of an armed clash as false and misleading.

There had been widespread reports on various online platforms suggesting that supporters of opposing PDP factions engaged in a gun duel at the party’s secretariat.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, dismissed the allegations, calling them a deliberate attempt to incite panic.

“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of a recent news report circulating across various online platforms, alleging a gun duel between conflicting political groups at the PDP Secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt,” the statement read.

“We wish to categorically inform the general public that this report is entirely false and misleading. At no point was such an incident reported to or witnessed by the Police.

“Personnel of the Rivers State Police Command are strategically deployed across key locations in the state, and our officers were promptly dispatched to the PDP Secretariat.

“Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the report was a false alarm, raised by mischief makers and troublemakers with the intent to cause panic.

“The Rivers State Police Command strongly warns individuals or groups involved in spreading false information to desist from heating the polity and creating unnecessary tension.

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the state, and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order while securing lives and property.

“We call on the public to disregard such baseless rumours and trust in the professionalism and dedication of the Police in maintaining peace within the state.”

The police assured residents of their continued vigilance and urged the public to rely on verified sources for information.