The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba, has ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting incident at Okirika, Rivers State, during one of the Political party rally in the area. Already sic suspects have been arrested on the matter.
The IGP said that he has mandated the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 6, Tunde Ogunsakin, to personally handle the investigation of the shooting incident.
One Policeman was confirmed dead after the shooting, while several others, including a Journalist sustained injuries.
The Police boss disclosed this to our Correspondent and added that he has already mandated that a press statement be issued on the stand of the Force regarding the shooting and electoral violence. “I gave the directive this morning, while talking with the AIG Zone 6,” the Police boss stated about the shooting.”
He vowed to expose those behind the shooting. “We have warned persons against political violence, we even had several inter-face with politicians and political actors over the matter, to play politics devoid of violence, but it appears they don’t want to hear, so it is time for action now,” IGP stated.
The Police boss added that, so far, six persons suspected to be among those that attacked the political rally were rounded up in their hideouts, at Okirika, waterfront.
According to him, “ the Rivers State Commissioner had earlier told me that six persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. I have also told him to liaise with the AIG Zone 6, and ensure that proper investigation is carried out on the matter. I have also directed that those found culpable must be prosecuted in the court of law.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba, had earlier ordered Command Commissioners of Police to embark on intensive recovery of fire arms in the possession of unauthorized security outfits/Agencies, including some state owned security outfits across the country.
The Police stated this in a statement, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Emmanuel Ojukwu, and made available to our Correspondent.
He said apart from the retrieval of those illegal arms, the state Police Commissioners are equally to ensure that suspects arrested in connection with it are given speedy prosecution at law courts. “This is in view of reported cases of political violence allegedly traceable to the use of illegal firearms by some unlawful persons attach private security outfits.”
