The Rivers State Police Command has categorically dismissed reports of violence at the Government House in Port Harcourt, which allegedly involved a confrontation between military personnel loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement issued on Sunday, State Commissioner of Police Mustapha Mohammed clarified that the allegations of Governor Fubara ordering a curfew or requesting militant groups to take over security operations in the state are unfounded.
The statement, released by police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, followed social media claims suggesting that confrontations involving military personnel had resulted in casualties.
Mohammed described these reports as “untrue, unfounded, and a fabrication aimed at inciting fear and unrest” in Rivers State, which is known for its oil and gas resources.
In the statement titled “Re: Reports of Violence at Rivers State Government House Untrue, a Figment of the Author’s Imagination,” the police cautioned against the spread of misinformation due to its potential dangers.
The statement read: “The Rivers State Police Command unequivocally refutes the unsubstantiated report currently circulating, alleging a violent altercation at the Rivers State Government House involving supposed military forces allegedly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Sim Fubara.
We can confirm that there was no such incident, and this narrative is a deliberate fabrication aimed at inciting fear, confusion, and unrest within Rivers State.”
The police emphasized that there have been no reports of armed confrontations or casualties involving military personnel in the state, reiterating that Governor Fubara has not ordered a curfew nor called for any militant groups to assume security roles.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security and law enforcement agencies remain in full control, actively maintaining peace and security in Rivers State and across the state,” the statement affirmed.
Iringe-Koko further urged the public to disregard these false rumors and avoid spreading unfounded and damaging reports.
“We call on everyone to verify information from credible sources and refrain from sharing sensational and baseless claims intended to create discord,” she stated.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, encouraging them to go about their lawful activities without fear, as police officers and other security agencies are diligently working to maintain peace.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Governor Fubara was accompanied by soldiers during a church visit in Port Harcourt on Sunday morning.
