The Nigeria Police Force says it was asserting authority over the situation in Rivers State and has also commenced investigation into the unfortunate incidents being recorded there.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko on Monday, October 30, 2023 in Port Harcourt said the State Police Command had commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the various incidents at the Assembly complex.

“The Rivers State Police Command is on top of the security situations that occurred at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

“Consequently, full-scale investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the situations and take immediate policing actions against anyone found wanting.

The State Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi had taken proactive steps from about 10pm Sunday night when the fire incident occurred at the complex by asserting full control of the general area.

Heavily armed policemen were deployed to secure the complex to forestall any further incidents, as well as incursions into the complex later on Monday morning.

Unfortunately, a viral video showed policemen shooting water cannons on the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, while on his way to inspect the extent of damage to the Assembly complex.

The Nigeria Police Force reacted to the viral video with a terse statement on its X, formerly Twitter, handle that it had commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances around that incident and would punish any erring personnel.

Tensions mounted in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on the night of Sunday, October 29, 2023 when fire broke out in the State House of Assembly chamber.

The fire was later put out by personnel of the Federal Fire Service and armed policemen deployed to the complex to secure it.