…Confirm joint security operations
By Eric Moore
THE Rivers State Police Command has clarified that the gunshots heard in Borikiri axis of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area in the state capital, were not from criminals, but security operatives trying to deactivate illegal bunkering sites.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed this to Pentoks News in Port Harcourt on Monday.
At about 3:45 pm on Monday, sporadic gunshots were heard around New Road waterfront in Borikiri, part of Port Harcourt City, the state capital, causing panic to the residents.
Shortly after the gunshots, a helicopter was noticed hovering around the area, thereby heightening fear within the neighbourhood.
It was gathered that sound of the gunshots caused pandemonium in some part of the popular Creek Road Market, as people scampered for safety.
One of the traders, identified as Mama Destiny, staying around Nembe Bus Stop, said there was confusion in the market, as people ran to different directions.
“We didn’t know where the gunshots were coming from. So, everybody started running. People were afraid it could be the militants shooting because it was coming from the creek.
“Even bus drivers and passengers were seen jumping from their vehicles. Many traders are closing their shops because nobody knows those shooting.”
However, Police spokesperson, SP Iringe-Koko, dispelled fears from members of the public, saying that security operatives were carrying out a joint action against oil thieves in the creek.
She said: “That thing (gunshot) is not the way it was portrayed. It is security operatives trying to destroy all these illegal bunkering camps. It is a joint operation by security operatives.”
It would be recalled that Rivers State, though presently under a state of emergency and governed by a sole administrator, is witnessing palpable fear, with the recent pipeline explosion in Soku community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state.