Yesterday, the Police retained control of the 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State.
It was to prevent a further escalation of violence that broke out on Tuesday over the tenure of chairmen and councillors.
The caretaker chairmen appointed and inaugurated by Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara and protesting council helmsmen insisting on tenure extension were denied access to the offices.
The death toll from Tuesday’s violence rose to three yesterday with the reported death of an ex-student leader during the mayhem.
The dead are Police Inspector David Mgbads, vigilante member, Samuel Nwigwe, and Endwell Ejindu, a former student union leader.
Force Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said in a statement that men of the Force Intelligence Response Team(IRT) have been deployed to the state to apprehend the killers.
Adejobi said: “In response to these heinous acts, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, to heighten security measures across the state and institute a thorough investigation into the killing of the police officer and the vigilante operative, as well as the general violence which erupted in the state.
“The IGP has specifically deployed operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to assist the Rivers State Command in apprehending the killers of the police officer and the vigilante member.
“The IGP seriously warns individuals and groups of people who have a penchant for senseless attacks and mindless killings of police officers and other security operatives across the country to desist forthwith as the fullest force of the law will be meted on them.
“The CP has also been directed to focus on increased patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced intelligence operations to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents.”
