IG condemns violence in Rivers, orders probe into officers’ killing

• Published On: 22 June 2024 at 14:50

The eruption of violence and the breakdown of law and order at several Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State have been denounced by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Two people were killed on Tuesday in Port Harcort, the state capital, during a fight over the terms of office for the state's Local Government Council Chairmen: a police officer and a vigilante.

The police inspector general (IG) instructed Olatunji Disu, the commissioner of police for Rivers, to increase security across the state, according to a statement released by the force spokesperson on Wednesday.

Along with directing the inquiry into the widespread violence that broke out throughout the state, the Inspector General (IG) also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of the police officer and the vigilante.

In order to help the Rivers State Command capture the individuals responsible for the police officer's and vigilante member's deaths, Egbetokun also sent out members of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

"The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, strongly condemns the recent outbreak of violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order at various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State. These incidents involved supporters of two political factions fighting over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, which tragically resulted in the deaths of Samuel Nwigwe, a vigilante member at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA, and Inspector David Mgbada, a police officer.

"In reaction to these horrific acts, the IGP has instructed CP Olatunji Disu, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, to increase security throughout the state and launch comprehensive investigations into the deaths of the police officer and the vigilante as well as the widespread violence that broke out in the state.

To help the Rivers State Command capture the individuals responsible for the deaths of the police officer and the vigilante, the IGP has dispatched members of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

"The full force of the law will be meted out to individuals and groups who have a penchant for senseless attacks and mindless killings of police officers and other security operatives across the country. The IGP sincerely warns you to desist immediately."

In order to stop more violence and guarantee everyone's safety, Egbetokun also oversaw heightened intelligence operations, patrols, and the strategic deployment of police.

Nonetheless, he offered his sympathies to the families, friends, and coworkers of the security personnel, assuring them that their commitment and selflessness while doing their duties will never be forgotten.

"To prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents, the CP has also been directed to focus on increased patrols, strategic officer deployment, and enhanced intelligence operations," the statement continued.

"The IGP offers its deepest sympathies to the bereaved police officer's family, friends, and coworkers, emphasising that their commitment and selflessness in the line of duty will never be forgotten.

"All citizens and political parties involved in the State are urged to exercise moderation and pursue nonviolent means of settling disputes," said the Inspector General of Police.