The Rivers Police Command has taken over the 23 local government areas over succession crisis rocking the State.
The police, in a statement by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the decision was taken following the breakdown of law and order in the various councils’ secretariat.
Iringe-Koko further cited clashes of supporters of the two political factions over the tenure of local government council chairmen and a case of death recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a police officer and a vigilante were killed as the reason for the takeover.
The statement reads: “To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the police have taken over all the 23 council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state. Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.
“While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warn anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them.
“We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property”.