The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that the Port Harcourt residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was attacked and set on fire by hoodlums.
Over the weekend, online reports circulated alleging that Wike’s residence had come under siege and was torched by unidentified individuals. However, in a statement released on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, refuted these claims, calling them false and misleading.
Iringe-Koko stated, “The Rivers State Police Command has been made aware of a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online platforms, falsely stating that riots had erupted in Rivers State, leading to the burning of the residence of former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, along with other acts of violence.”
She emphasized that there was no record of such an incident and condemned the report as a deliberate attempt to incite unrest and spread fear. “The Command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and an intentional attempt to disturb the peace and instill fear among law-abiding residents. Normalcy prevails across the state, and we urge the public to disregard these unfounded claims designed to cause panic.”
Iringe-Koko also issued a stern warning against the spread of false information. “Those responsible for circulating these incendiary falsehoods will face legal consequences,” she warned. “The Police Command strongly advises individuals or groups engaging in activities that could incite public disorder to cease immediately. Legal action will be taken against those found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to destabilize the peace.”
She concluded by assuring the public of the police’s ongoing commitment to maintaining security and urged residents to rely on credible sources for information while promptly reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement.