The Rivers
State Police Command on Saturday said the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
did not obtain permission before embarking on its rally for US President,
Donald Trump in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The state
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Magaji, disclosed this while speaking
with journalists.
Magaji said
such act was condemnable and reprehensible, while stating that the rally was
illegal without the approval of the police.
He
maintained that although no life was lost, 65 persons were arrested during the
protest.
“It is
indeed saddening to note that before embarking on the illegal protest march,
there was no official communication to the command, which in itself is
reprehensible, condemnable and unfortunate.
“The police,
as an agency of government, have the statutory responsibility to protect life
and property at any time, which was what we practically and professionally did
yesterday (Friday) to forestall what would have been a total carnage in the
state.
“However, it
should be noted that men of the command deployed for the operation were professional
and used minimum force in containing the protesters. Note that no casualty was
recorded, no death was recorded.
“About 65 of
them were arrested at different points within the metropolis, being suspected
members of IPOB. Items recovered from them include some flags bearing the
inscription of IPOB and other incriminating items.
“The
suspects arrested have made useful statements to the police and investigation
is ongoing. Further developments will be communicated in due course,” Magaji
said.
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