11th DECEMBER, 2019
POLICE PRESS RELEASE
RE: ALLEGED MASSIVE KILLINGS IN ETCHE- CHOKOCHO ROAD.
The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to the damning online report on the alleged massive killings and attacks on Commuters and motorists on the Etche-Chokocho Road by angry youths. The report added that fifteen 15 people were killed and a Police Station burnt; while the youths engaged the Army and the Police in a gun battle.- Ordinarily, we should have ignored this baseless and unverifiable
report, intended to cause panic and tension in the State and remain focused and committed to our duties, but in order not to allow the public form a dangerous opinion as a result of this fake news, we have therefore thought it wise and expedient to correct this negative narrative and hereby state as follows:-
That on Saturday 7/12/2019 at about 0800hrs there was a distress call, that youths of Etche had blocked the Okomoko- Chokocho Bridge.
That following this report, we mobilized to the scene and dismantled the barricade and restored calm in the area.
That on Monday 9/12/2019 when the Police Team led by the DPO, CSP Joseph Anche visited the scene, they recovered five (5) corpses from the River which sparked off another round of protest. They were however able to contain them and people thereafter went about their lawful business activities.
Now therefore, it has become imperative to put the records straight and state the true position as follows:-
That six persons were killed in the incident contrary to the 15 deaths reported
That no Police Station was burnt as speculated.
That no commuter was attacked and killed as contained in the report.
And that so far normalcy has been restored, as the Commissioner of Police has launched Investigation into the matter with a view to ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the killings and unveiling the identities of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Dandaura whishes to appeal to the residents of Etche LGA, to remain calm and trust in the ability of the Command to protect their lives and property. They are enjoined to increase their security consciousness by being vigilant and to report all suspicious movements and characters to the Police, via our dedicated lines, while assuring them of a peaceful Christmas Celebration.
08032003514
08098880134
08182157778
DSP NNAMDI OMONI
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,
RIVERS STATE COMMAND
PORT HARCOURT