Rivers: Armed Thugs Clash with Protesters and Harass Journalists

Tension rises in Rivers as armed thugs attack peaceful protesters and harass journalists. Learn more about the violent incidents.

On Wednesday morning, peaceful protesters taking part in the #EndBadGovernance demonstration were attacked by armed thugs in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State resulting to a tense atmosphere.

Politics Nigeria reported that armed thugs stationed themselves in front of the Federal Secretariat in Port Harcourt, causing intimidation and dispersing protesters.

According to eyewitnesses, two protesters were attacked while law enforcement officials remained passive and failed to take action.

The thugs surrounded and threatened a ChannelsTV correspondent, expressing their determination to impede any demonstrations.

Read Also: Rivers Protesters Head to Wike’s Residence in #EndBadGovernance Rally

For the past seven days, protesters have been gathering at the Federal Secretariat on Port Harcourt/Aba express road to embark on a hunger strike and demonstrate against bad governance under the #EndBadGovernance movement.

The failure of more than 20 police officers to take action despite witnessing the events gives rise to grave concerns regarding the safety and safeguarding of citizens’ right to protest in Rivers State.

Upon being reached out to, Olatunji Disu, the Police Commissioner of Rivers State conveyed his apprehension regarding the incident and guaranteed a comprehensive investigation leading towards accountability as well as preventing similar happenings in future.

Having frequented protest locations over past few days, Disu had committed earlier on ensuring police officers upheld professionalism along with peace and orderliness.

As a token of gratitude for their nonviolent and lawful behavior, he had extended an invitation to the tranquil demonstrators for some light refreshments.

The nationwide protest entered its seventh day on Wednesday and has spiraled into violence in certain northern states of the federation.

In preceding news, authorities in Rivers State revealed that law enforcement officers had received directives to apprehend and bring to trial individuals responsible for instigating violent incidents throughout the protests.

Ongoing worries regarding the security of demonstrators and safeguarding their rights in the area have been brought to light by both thugs’ recent assault and absence of police action.