The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the outbreak of violence and breakdown of law and order at various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State.

A clash happened on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen in the state, which led to the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police IG directed the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, to heighten security measures across the state.

The IG also ordered a thorough investigation into the killing of the police officer and the vigilante operative and also directed the probe of the general violence which erupted in the state.

Egbetokun also 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 statement reads, “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.”

Egbetokun also directed increased patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced intelligence operations to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents.

He, however, expressed condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the security operatives, stating that their dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be forgotten.

It added, “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.” (The PUNCH)

Update news