The Rivers State Police Command has denied claims that its officers fired gunshots or used teargas to disperse protesters during the “Take It Back” demonstration held on Monday, April 7.
In a statement made by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police said the reports were false and misleading.
“On arrival, a group of miscreants was observed engaging in criminal acts, including the theft of mobile phones and other valuables from unsuspecting members of the public,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She explained that police officers were only deployed to certain areas based on security intelligence. According to her, the group at the protest was not peaceful but involved in criminal activities.
“Our operatives responded swiftly, dispersing the individuals,” she added.
The Command said the reports about police violence were created to cause fear and tension in the state.
“The Rivers State Police Command strongly condemns this act of misinformation and warns individuals or groups behind the spread of such falsehoods to desist immediately,” the statement read.
The police also assured residents that their safety remains a top priority and promised to continue acting in a professional and lawful manner. They urged people to report any suspicious activity through official contact channels.
However, some journalists who were present at the protest shared a different version of events.
According to eyewitness reports, the protest was peaceful before the arrival of police officers, who then allegedly fired teargas and, in some cases, what appeared to be live bullets.
Some journalists were reportedly injured while running for safety.
A correspondent with Channels Television, Charles Opurum, was also arrested during the protest but was later released.
Many protesters have denied the police’s claims, insisting that the protest was not violent and that their aim was to demand better governance and accountability.
