The Rivers State Police Command has refuted the information on social media that a dynamite explosion occurred at an APC rally in PHLGA where some persons were injured.
According to a press release signed by the Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Thursday, 19th January 2023 held a peaceful open rally at Rumuwoji community town hall/playing ground in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.
She however said that before the rally’s commencement, the community’s internal crisis over which faction should control the community playing ground/town hall reared its ugly head.
According to SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, “It was alleged that the CDC Chairman collected the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200, 000) from APC as payment for renting the playground and town hall.
“Incidentally, he shared the money with only the chiefs and members of his faction. The other faction that didn’t benefit from the sharing insisted that the hall would not be used until they were given their share of the money. Consequently, a fracas ensued. Two people were reportedly injured.
She further said that the fracas was not between members of APC and any other political party but between the internal factions within the said community.
“The DC Operations, Area Commander Port Harcourt, the O/C SIB, and DPO Mile One Diobu were on the ground to intervene and restore peace and security at the venue. Thus, the fracas did not affect the APC rally, which ended peacefully.
“There was no explosion before or during the rally. However, the Commissioner of Police has directed the DC State CID and O/C Bomb Disposal Unit to investigate and confirm the veracity of the rumour currently making the rounds on social media.
“It should be noted that the Rumuwoji community is factionalized into two groups – not divided along political party lines, but rather factionalized as a result of the chieftaincy tussle. The fracas was defined in these lines, she said.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and maintain peace as the Command reiterates that it is committed to protecting the life and property of all residents in Rivers State.
