The Rivers State Police Command has refuted reports on social media that there was a gun duel at the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt between rival groups.
A social media report had alleged that there was a gun battle between supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and those of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, at the PDP state secretariat.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, in statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening, said the report was both “false and misleading, raised by mischief makers and troublemakers with the intent to cause panic.”
Iringe-Koko warned individuals or groups involved in spreading false information to desist from heating the polity and creating unnecessary tension.
The statement read in part: “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of a recent news report circulating across various online news platforms, alleging a gun duel between conflicting political groups at the PDP Secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
“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.
“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.”