In Rivers: Police warn hoodlums ahead of March 19, 2016 elections

The Rivers State Government has also denied allegations that it is masterminding the cult related violence that has led death of many residents of the state.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, has warned hoodlums to stay away from Rivers state, ahead of the National Assembly re-run elections slated for March 19, 2016.

This is following the deployment of over 6,000 police personnel by the Inspector-General of police, Mr. Solomon Arase.

Punch reports that Wakama said “We all know that rerun elections in Rivers state are likely to be competitive if not contentious. A lot has happened in the state that calls for concern to both the indigenes and residents in the state and beyond.”

Adding that “It is for this reason that I have come down to the state to speak to all the stakeholders involved in the election and to reassure INEC of safe polls; and to warn that if anything happens in this state, if we see anybody for any reason doing anything that is untoward, which will harm any individual or destroy any property, we will stretch the elasticity of the law in respect to that offence to the fullest extent and deal with such a person."

READ: Military denies link in Rivers state killings

The police DIG also said “However, we are not carrying a knife to a gun fight, but should anybody bring out a knife, we will bring out our own. If they bring out guns, we bring out our own and if they want to harm anybody, we will ensure that they will be decapitated.”

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has denied allegations that it is masterminding the cult related violence that has led to the death of many residents of the state.

It also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of claiming that the people who died in the violent clashes are its members.