Police launch investigation into post-election arson, killings in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the post-election violence that ravaged several local government areas, resulting in loss of life and destruction of three council secretariats on Monday.

Rivers Police Commissioner Mustapha Mohammed announced this to journalists on Wednesday following an on-site assessment of the three affected local government areas.

Mohammed announced the formation of a high-powered investigation team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police from the State Criminal Investigation Department, who will oversee the probe and submit their findings to the Inspector General of Police upon completion.

According to Persecondnews, violence broke out in many of the state’s councils on October 7 after Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered the unsealing of the secretariats of the 23 councils.

Mohammed stated that operatives of the command have already begun intensive patrols to build residents’ confidence and reassure them of their safety, pointing out that a series of measures are in place aimed at ensuring adequate security in the state.

He said: “We are out this morning on a confidence-building patrol to assure the public of their safety as part of the proactive measures we intend to implement to ensure security in Rivers State.

“We are conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the situation on the ground so far and what has happened in these areas. We are taking action; we have embarked on a full-scale investigation.

“We have set up a high-powered investigation team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to be assisted by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, State CID.

“We have seasoned police officers who will thoroughly investigate the case. Subsequently, we will submit our report to the Inspector General of Police.”

Mohammed appealed for calm among stakeholders in Rivers State and urged members of the public to collaborate with the police to ensure that peace is fully restored in the state.