The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the violent aftermath of the recent local government elections. What began as a peaceful election quickly spiraled into chaos, with several local government areas vandalized and buildings set ablaze on Monday.
The crisis, which erupted after the announcement of election results, has left many Rivers State residents in shock. The violence affected key areas, including Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Emuoha, Ikwerre, and Eleme. Public buildings and properties were targeted, as angry mobs took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the election outcomes.
In response, the newly appointed Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, assured the public that swift action is being taken to address the situation. During an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, CP Mohammed vowed that the police would bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace across the state.
Speaking to journalists during his tour of the crisis-hit local government areas, CP Mohammed emphasized that the police are leaving no stone unturned in their investigation. He reassured residents that a high-powered team of experienced officers has been deployed to handle the case.
“We are conducting confidence-building patrols to reassure the public of their safety,” CP Mohammed said. “As part of our proactive measures, we are assessing the situation and have launched a full investigation. A high-powered team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and assisted by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, is in place to thoroughly investigate the matter.”
The police commissioner made it clear that the investigation would be thorough, and a detailed report would be submitted to the Inspector General of Police once the investigation is complete. The goal, he said, is to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
In his message to the people of Rivers State, CP Mohammed called for peace and cooperation from all stakeholders, including political leaders, community members, and civil society organizations. He urged everyone to work together to restore law and order in the state.
“I am a peacemaker, and my message to everyone is to collaborate in maintaining law and order,” he said. “The state is not volatile, and we will continue to ensure public safety. We are working with both state and non-state actors to secure the entire state.”
The commissioner’s visit to the affected areas was seen as a strong statement of his commitment to resolving the crisis and restoring peace. During his tour, he met with local leaders and community members, assuring them that the police would take all necessary measures to prevent a repeat of the violence.
The post-election violence in Rivers State is part of a larger, troubling trend in Nigeria, where elections are often marred by violence, particularly at the local government level. Over the years, Rivers State has witnessed several incidents of electoral violence, with political tensions frequently boiling over into street clashes and property destruction.
In previous elections, Rivers State has been identified as a hotbed of political rivalries, with competing political factions often resorting to violence to assert dominance. Political analysts have long pointed out that unresolved grievances, coupled with a lack of trust in the electoral process, often lead to post-election crises.
For Rivers State, Monday’s violence is a stark reminder of the need for stronger measures to prevent post-election chaos. CP Mohammed’s quick response and promise of a full investigation may help to reassure the public, but the underlying issues that fuel election-related violence remain a significant concern.
