Rivers won’t succumb to secessionist agenda, says Wike after attacks on police stations

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, says no amount of attacks on police stations will make the state give in to agitations by secessionists.

There have been several attacks on security facilities in the south-east region and Rivers, leading to the death of security operatives, while buildings and vehicles have been razed.

The attacks comes amid agitations for secession in some parts of the country — there have been calls by groups in the south-east and south-west for disintegration.

Also, despite a curfew on all LGAs in the state, seven officers were killed in Rivers after attacks on two police stations and a checkpoint on Friday night.

Wike, who condemned the attacks, called for calm and said the state is taking urgent measures to ensure improved security.

“The Rivers State Security Council has called for calm following overnight attacks on police personnel in the State,” a statement issued by Kelvin Ebiri, spokesperson to the Rivers governor, read.

“Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who presided over an emergency meeting of the Security Council at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Saturday, condemned the attacks by unidentified armed assailants on some police formations.

“The governor, reiterated that no amount of intimidation or cruel resort to barbaric attacks will make the State succumb to secessionist agenda of those who are bent on plunging Nigeria into another unwarranted crisis.

“He, on behalf of the Government of Rivers State, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the Policemen and the Rivers State Police Command.

“Governor Wike urged residents of Rivers State to be calm, as the Security Council has taken measures to secure the State.

“He further enjoined them to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons to security agents.”