Rivers: Police Debunk Arson Report On Wike’s Residence

The Rivers State Police Command has debunked reports on social media that some suspected arsonists attacked the private residence of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt.

Some reports on social media had alleged that a riot broke out in the Rivers State capital, leading to the burning down of Wike’s residence and vehicles parked inside the compound.

However, police public relations officer (PPRO) Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, described the reports as “entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents.”

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online media platforms, falsely claiming that riots have erupted in Rivers State, leading to the burning of the residence of the former governor and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with other acts of violence.

“The command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents.

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There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state.

“The general public is urged to disregard these unfounded claims, which are intended to cause panic and destabilise the relative peace and security enjoyed by the good people of Rivers State.

“Furthermore, the police command sternly warn those responsible for spreading such incendiary falsehoods to desist from engaging in activities capable of inciting public disorder. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the peace in any form.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We urge members of the public to rely on credible sources for information and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. Citizens should remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear.”