The Rivers State Police Command has firmly rejected claims of a shooting incident involving rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt. In a statement issued on Sunday, the police described the reports circulating on various online platforms as “false and misleading,” calling the claims a deliberate attempt to incite panic.
The allegations, which spread quickly across social media, suggested that supporters of opposing PDP factions had engaged in a gun battle at the party’s Aba Road secretariat. However, Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, dismissed these rumors, emphasizing that no such incident had been reported to, or witnessed by law enforcement.
“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.”
Iringe-Koko further assured the public that police personnel had been deployed to the area immediately after the reports surfaced, and upon investigation, it was confirmed that the situation was a false alarm. The police identified the origin of the rumors as “mischief makers” aiming to cause unnecessary tension in the region.
It is worth noting that in a stern warning, the police urged those spreading such unfounded reports to desist from further aggravating the situation. “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,” the statement added.
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The police reassured the people of Rivers State that they remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. They also called on the public to disregard unverified rumors and to rely on trusted sources for information, stressing that law enforcement will continue to work diligently to maintain peace and order in the state.
It bears mentioning that as political tensions continue to rise in the region, the Rivers State Police have pledged to remain vigilant in securing the lives and property of residents, ensuring that false reports do not destabilize the community.
