Hoodlums have hijacked Rivers protest – Police

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Police Command has expressed concern about the turn of events at the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests in the country, stating that hoodlums have hijacked the demonstrations.

The Command, through its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), alleged that the protests have devolved into criminal activities because the original organisers have lost control.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the aggrieved youths have engaged in damaging public property, extortion, and other social vices.

Iringe-Koko said the Command noted that the supposed #EndBadGovernance protesters have ignored the designated areas for peaceful demonstrations and resorted to blocking roads, thereby disrupting public peace.

She stated: “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 organisers 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 tyres 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 PPRO further warned: “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.”

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at HyperCity malls, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) offices, and some private residences.