The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a manhunt trailing the outbreak of violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order at various local government council secretariats in Rivers State on Tuesday.
Subsequently, the police in Rivers State announced the taking over of “all the 23 council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure” in the state to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The clashes, involving supporters of two political factions over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, tragically led to the deaths of Police Officer Inspector David Mgbada and Samuel Nwigwe, a vigilante member, at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma Local Government Area.
One faction is loyal to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, while the other is backed by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the FCT Minister.
The clashes erupted following the expiration of the three-year tenure of officials of local government councils in the state on Monday.
Angry youth, apparently loyal to Governor Fubara, poured into the streets on Tuesday and invaded the secretariats to force the chairpersons out of office amidst reports that the local officials had vowed to sit tight despite the state government announcing the end of their tenure and the appointment of interim administrators.
The council chairpersons, all of them loyalists of Mr Wike, claimed that their tenure had been extended by six months by a faction of lawmakers loyal to him.
IGP Egbetokun spoke in a statement released to the press in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
In the statement, Adejobi said: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, condemns in the strongest terms the recent 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, which unfortunately led to the tragic deaths of a Police Officer – Inspector David Mgbada, and Samuel Nwigwe, a vigilante member at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA.
“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. “
