The Rivers State Police Command has intensified security measures ahead of Saturday’s planned one-million-man march to end the #EndBadGovernance protest. The command has designated only two venues for the protest: Isaac Bora Park and Pleasure Park, both along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
According to Police spokesman, Grace Iringe-Koko, the warning became necessary following a plot by some hoodlums who could not loot throughout the protest to use the last day to cause mayhem in the state on Saturday under the guise of a hunger protest.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has been informed about the planned ‘One Million Man Protest’ scheduled to run simultaneously across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory on the 10th day of August.
“We are aware that some miscreants, who were previously prevented from looting and engaging in other criminal activities during the opening days of the protest, have resolved in their hearts to use this final day to harass innocent citizens, unleash mayhem, loot, and extort unsuspecting residents of the state.
It bears mentioning that the command has instructed all heads of tactical units and divisional heads to be alert and ready in their various locations, with a mandate to apprehend and prosecute any individuals or groups found engaging in unlawful activities or causing disturbances.
Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has insisted all would-be protesters converge at the designated areas, enabling the police to effectively protect the protesters and curtail any breakdown of law and order in the state.
“This will allow the police to effectively carry out their duty by protecting the protesters and curtailing any breakdown of law and order in the state. The Command will not allow or condone any protest or procession outside of these two designated areas.”
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It goes without saying that the Rivers command has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism in managing the protests over the past nine days, resulting in no deaths. The police are committed to maintaining this record and will respond swiftly to any breach of law and order without hesitation.
Notably, the public has been encouraged to refrain from any actions that may compromise the peace and security of the state. The Command is entirely dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the public order.
