By Tina Amanda
The Rivers State Police Command has reported that the ongoing protests in the state have been taken over by hoodlums, leading to criminal activities, as original organizers have lost control of the crowd.
The situation has deteriorated as these so-called protesters have begun harassing residents engaged in lawful business activities.
In response to this, the Spokesperson for the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the hoodlums are disrupting traffic, 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. These actions deviate significantly from the conduct 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”.
