The Rivers Police Command has threatened to crackdown on protesters and organisers as the protest in Rivers State takes a frightening dimension.
The police said the protesters were engaging in extortion, destruction of vehicle, harassment of business owners and other unlawful acts.
The Daily Crucible reports that residents of the Garden City, especially shop owners, were warned on Monday by the protesters to stay indoor or join the protest, forcing some of them to attach green leaves to their shops on Tuesday as a sign of solidarity and out of fear that their shops could be attacked and looted if they failed to comply.
At the bustling Rumuokoro area of Port Harcourt, the state capital, the protest was observed degenerating with the protesters making bonfires.
Rivers police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Tuesday said the protest was taking a worrisome change with the protesters calling on residents to join the protest.
However, Iringe-Koko said the command was closely monitoring the situation and providing security.
The statement said: “On August 5th, 2024, the command observed that the protest in Rivers State has taken a concerning turn.
“The protesters were earlier advised to conduct their demonstration peacefully within designated locations, while the police would provide adequate protection and isolate any criminal elements.
“However, the command has noticed a lack of identifiable leadership or coordination among the various groups, leading to a breakdown of order.
“Regrettably, the protesters have resorted to unlawful acts, such as burning tires, extorting motorists, blocking roads, damaging vehicles, harassing business owners, and stealing from innocent residents.
“Furthermore, a group has threatened that the pattern of the protest will change on August 7th, 2024, calling on traders and motorists to stay at home or join the protest.
“The Rivers State Police Command affirms the constitutional right of citizens to protest and express their views.
“However, the command has observed clear indications that the organizers are losing control of the protesters, who are resorting to more violent and criminal conduct.
“Therefore, the police will act decisively to arrest and prosecute any individual who attempts to infringe on the rights of others or engage in criminal activities under the guise of the protest.
“The police will take necessary and decisive action immediately the protest stops being peaceful.
“The police advise that protesters should remain in the designated protest areas, Pleasure Park and Abali Park . They should refrain from disrupting the free movement of citizens or engaging in any unlawful activities.
“The command is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all residents during this period.”
