By Eric Moore
RIVERS State Police Command said it was aware of a recent news report circulating across various online platforms, alleging a gun duel between conflicting political groups at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, on Sunday, debunked the report in its entirety.
She stated that the Police Command had earlier deployed its operatives to strategic places to ensure there is peace across the state.
Iringe-Koko stated: “We wish to categorically inform the general public that this report is entirely false and misleading. At no point was such an incident reported to or witnessed by the Police.
“Personnel of the Rivers State Police Command are strategically deployed across key locations in the state, and our officers were promptly dispatched to the PDP Secretariat.
“Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the report was a false alarm, raised by mischief makers and troublemakers with the intent to cause panic.”
However, the Command has warned individuals or groups with intent to heating up the policy to desist forthwith.
It called all members of the public to discountenance the fake report, assuring the safety and security of the residents.
“The Rivers State Police Command strongly warns individuals or groups involved in spreading false information to desist from heating the polity and creating unnecessary tension.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the state, and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order, while securing lives and property.
“We call on the public to disregard such baseless rumors and trust in the professionalism and dedication of the Police in maintaining peace within the state.”