By Bashir Aliyu
The Rivers State Police Command has debunked viral reports alleging that rioters set fire to the residence of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt. The command described the reports as “entirely false” and a deliberate attempt to incite unrest.
The clarification was made by the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, during a press briefing with journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that videos circulating on social media showed a luxurious residence engulfed in flames, with claims that the property belonged to the FCT Minister. However, Iringe-Koko dismissed the footage as fabricated, attributing it to individuals aiming to escalate political tensions in the state.
“The report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents. There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state,” she stated.
Iringe-Koko urged the public to disregard the reports, emphasizing that they were designed to cause panic and destabilize the relative peace in Rivers State. She also issued a stern warning to those spreading false information, cautioning them against actions capable of inciting public disorder.
“The full weight of the law will be brought upon individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt public peace,” she added.
The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents. She encouraged citizens to rely only on credible sources of information and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
“Citizens should remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear of harassment,” Iringe-Koko assured.
The Rivers State Police Command remains vigilant in maintaining order and protecting the lives and property of residents amid the ongoing political climate.