- By Halimah Olamide
“The IGP has specifically deployed operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to assist the Rivers State Command in apprehending the killers of the police officer and the vigilante member.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed anger over the alleged killing of a personnel in Rivers during the turmoil that engulfed the state over tenure of local government chairmen.
A policeman Inspector David Mgbada, and Samuel Nwigwe, a vigilante member at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA were killed by hoodlums in the state.
Egbetokun, in a statement by force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, condemned the outbreak of violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order at various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State, where supporters of two political factions clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen.
The police statement said, “In response to these heinous acts, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, to heighten security measures across the state and institute thorough investigations into the killing of the police officer and the vigilante operative, as well as the general violence which erupted in the state.
“The IGP has specifically deployed operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to assist the Rivers State Command in apprehending the killers of the police officer and the vigilante member. The IGP seriously warns individuals and groups of people who have a penchant for senseless attacks and mindless killings of police officers and other security operatives across the country to desist forthwith as the fullest force of the law will be meted on them.
The CP has also been directed to focus on increased patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced intelligence operations to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents. The IGP extends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased police officer and the vigilante member noting that their dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be taken for granted. The Inspector General of Police calls on all residents and political stakeholders in the State to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means of resolving differences.”
Crisis had broken out on Tuesday after the expiration of the tenure of the former Chairmen of the 23 local government areas of the state. The chairmen, believed to be loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike had vowed to resume in their offices despite the expiration of their tenure.
Wike, who is now the Minister of the FCT, is in a bitter war with Governor Sim Fubara, over the control of the state.
Loyalists of Fubara had taken over the council premises on Tuesday to prevent pro-Wike elements from getting into offices.
A few of the chairmen who dared the pro-Fubara supporters were beaten.
The governor on Tuesday submitted the names of nominees for the council to the House of Assembly.
They were later screened today and sworn into office.