JUST IN: Police Take Over Rivers State Council Secretariats

The Rivers State Police Command has taken over the 23 local government area secretariats due to an ongoing succession crisis that has led to significant unrest.

According to a statement released by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police’s intervention follows violent clashes between supporters of rival political factions disputing the tenure of local government council chairmen. The conflict has already resulted in fatalities, including the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA.

“To prevent further violence and maintain order, the police have taken over all 23 council secretariats and key government infrastructures across the state. Both conventional and anti-riot police units have been deployed to these locations,” the statement read.

SP Iringe-Koko urged all groups and individuals to remain peaceful and warned that any attempts to incite further chaos would be met with the full force of the law. She also reassured law-abiding residents and visitors that they could continue their daily activities without fear, as the police are committed to protecting lives and property.