The Rivers State Police Command has vehemently refuted claims circulating on several news outlets that hoodlums attacked the Port Harcourt residence of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, labeling the reports as “false and misleading.”
Africa Update gathered that contrary to the widespread online reports alleging a siege and arson at Wike’s residence on Sunday night, the police have confirmed that no such incident occurred.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, issued a statement on Monday denouncing the reports as a “connivance between some elements and the media to cause unrest and further create panic.”
“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online media platforms, falsely claiming that riots have erupted in Rivers State, leading to the burning of the residence of the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with other acts of violence,” the statement read.
Iringe-Koko emphasized that the state remains peaceful and that there has been no attack on Wike’s residence or any other significant security breach. “The Command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents. There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state,” she affirmed.
The police spokesperson issued a stern warning against the dissemination of misinformation, stating that those responsible for fabricating such reports would face the full force of the law. “The Police Command sternly warns those responsible for spreading such incendiary falsehoods to desist from engaging in activities capable of inciting public disorder. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the peace in any form,” she declared.
The Command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to maintaining security in Rivers State, urging the public to rely only on credible sources for information and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
