The Rivers State Police Command has stated that the protest against hunger in the state has now been hijacked by hoodlums, resulting in lawlessness and crime.

A statement by the Rivers Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said that the original organizers of the ongoing hardship protest in the State have lost control of the crowd.

The statement said the protesters were disrupting the traffic flow, forcing passersby to attach leaflets to their vehicles, erecting canopies on main roads, destroying billboards, threatening traders to cease operations, and setting tires ablaze on the roads.

The force vowed that individuals found taking the law into their own hands would be arrested and prosecuted, calling on parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards.

The statement on Wednesday morning, August 7 reads;

“The Rivers State Police Command has become aware that the ongoing protests in the state have been hijacked by hoodlums, resulting in criminal activities. The original organizers have lost control of the crowd.

“Protesters are advised to confine their activities to the designated areas of Abali Park and Pleasure Park. Any disturbance of the peace will be firmly resisted, and individuals found taking the law into their own hands will be arrested and prosecuted.

“The police hereby warn that the situation has been taken over by hoodlums and call on parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards.

“Protesters are strongly advised to restrict themselves to the designated protest areas. The Rivers State Police Command will not tolerate any breach of peace or unlawful activities, and will take decisive action to restore order and protect the safety of all residents”.