•We Dispersed Miscreants, Not Protesters – Police
By Eric Moore
A journalist (name withheld) working in poplar private-owmed radio station in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is writhing in pains from a dislocated leg, as officers of the Police tear-gassed protesting youths on Monday.
Another journalist (name also withheld) reporting for a prominent television station was arrested at the peak of the protest by the Police, but was later released after identification.
One of the journalists claimed that when the officers noticed that they were being videoed by journalists covering the peaceful demonstration, apparently not knowing their identities, teargas canisters were fired directly at them.
The source decried the confrontational approach of security operatives, likening it a war scenario.
He told Pentoks News that it was in the cause of scampering for safety that his leg hit a strong object that caused him the location.
According to him, the incident happened at CFC Bus Stop Area of the state capital.
Meanwhile, the protesters earlier gathered at Isaac Boro Park and marched peacefully towards the CFC flyover when suddenly the police began to chase them with tear gas canisters.
The protesters and journalists covering the event received a dose of the tear gas causing chaos and everybody taking to different direction for protection
It was gathered that the protesters are members of the ‘Take It Back Movement’; but, they were resisted by heavy police presence when they gathered at Isaac Boro Park which was the venue.
One of the protesters told the policemen who warned them not to hold the protest, that, “Nobody can tell us where not to gather; we are Rivers people.”
The protesters had earlier told the policemen that they had informed the Rivers State Police Command about their intention to stage the demonstration in a letter dated April 3, 2025.
One of the protesters had told reporters that the “peaceful protest” was to express their grievances to the government.
Meanwhile, Police have denied opening fire on the protesters and dispersing them with tear gas as reported on various social media platforms.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, said Police officers dispersed miscreants dispossessing members of the public of their belongings.
Iringe-Koko stated: “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the false story currently circulating on various social media platforms alleging that police officers opened fire on protesters and used tear gas to disperse them on Monday, April 7, 2025, around Abali Park and the Federal Secretariat Complex, Aba Road.
“The Command wishes to categorically clarify that the report is unfounded. Upon receiving intelligence regarding the protest, our officers were promptly deployed to the specified locations.
“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. Our operatives responded swiftly, dispersing the individuals.”
According to her, the reports on social media platforms were intended to cause panic and disaffection in the minds of members of the public.
She continued: “This baseless story appears to be a deliberate fabrication by mischief makers seeking to incite public anxiety and create unnecessary tension within the state.”
The PPRO urged members of the public to disregard such unfounded claims and remain assured of their safety.
She expressed: “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.
“Disseminating unverified and misleading information poses a serious threat to public peace and security.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Rivers State in a professional, lawful, and community-friendly manner.
“Members of the public are encouraged to reach out to the Police through our dedicated contact lines to lodge complaints or report any suspicious activity or conduct.”