Police in Rivers State, along with suspected political thugs, have dispersed protesters who gathered in Port Harcourt for the October 1 #FearlessInOctober demonstration. Law enforcement also prevented the media from capturing photos or videos of the incident.
The crackdown seems to align with the state police’s earlier warning to residents to avoid activities that could threaten peace during the 64th Independence Day celebration. The protest, scheduled to take place in Port Harcourt, faced immediate opposition from stern-looking police officers who arrived at the protest site early.
Protesters were gathering at the popular Pleasure Park along the busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway when the police intervened. Accompanied by youths believed to be political thugs, the police forcefully dispersed the protesters and took control of the area.
Despite the initial disruption, determined protesters attempted to regroup in the Rumuola area, but the police dispersed them again. The police have maintained a heavy presence at both locations, as well as other areas suspected to be potential gathering points for protesters. As of press time, the protesters had not regrouped at any known venue.
COMMISSIONER’S FAILED PROMISE
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, had promised adequate security for the Independence Day celebration and deployed officers to key locations across the city.