Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the recent outbreak of violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order at various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State, which led to the death of a police Inspector and a vigilante group member.
Supporters of two political factions had clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, which resulted in the deaths of a Police Officer, Inspector David Mgbada, and a vigilante member at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma Local Government Area, Samuel Nwigwe.
According to a statement by the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, to heighten security measures across the state.
He also directed a thorough investigation into the killing of the Police officer and the vigilante operative, as well as the general violence that erupted in the state.
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The IGP 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 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.
ACP Adejobi stated further that CP Disu had 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.
IGP Egbetokun commiserated with the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased police officer and the vigilante member, sating that their dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty would not be taken for granted.
The Inspector General of Police called on all residents and political stakeholders in the state to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means of resolving differences.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
