Police arrest three protesters for theft in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three individuals during the ongoing protests against bad governance for allegedly stealing Point of Sale (POS) machines and windshield wipers from vehicles. Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the protests in various parts of Port Harcourt on Wednesday, August 7. He expressed dismay over the infiltration of the protests by miscreants, which he said had derailed the original purpose of the demonstrations. Disu stated, “I give you my word, Im going to find out what really happened here. But, Im aware that hoodlums have hijacked this protest from them. They have a lot of people moving around with them harassing members of the public. About one hour ago, we just arrested three people who went around stealing POS among the protesters.” The police commissioner highlighted that the situation had escalated beyond a peaceful protest, with participants now moving through different parts of the state, blocking roads, and coercing people to join them. “Theyve started going from one part of the state, part of the town to another, blocking roads, trying to force people to join them and even they have started threatening people not to open their offices and their shops,” Disu added. Disu also noted that the police have been working to maintain order and extinguish fires set by protesters attempting to burn tyres. “These are not protesters, thugs are among them,” he emphasized. He assured the public that the police would take decisive action to protect lives and property. “Its our job to protect lives and properties and weve made up our minds we are going to do it. Were going to take decisive action if they take laws into their hands.” Disu further mentioned the collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Civil Defence, to ensure peace is maintained. “Very well, you can see everywhere you go, you see members of the Nigerian Army, the Air Force and the Navy, the Secret Service are around too, members of the Civil Defence you see them everywhere.” The police commissioner concluded by reiterating the commitment of all security agencies to maintaining peace in Rivers State. “Weve all resolved to ensure that we continue to maintain peace in this state,” he said. The post Police arrest three protesters for theft in Rivers appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.