On March 17, 2025, the Rivers State Police Command issued a strong rebuttal to circulating reports alleging that hoodlums had attacked and set ablaze the Port Harcourt residence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The statement came in response to a wave of online rumors that emerged late Sunday night, claiming that Wike’s home had been besieged and torched by unidentified assailants amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State. The police have dismissed these claims as baseless, urging the public to disregard what they describe as deliberate misinformation aimed at stirring unrest.
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The Origin of the Rumors
The controversy began when several online platforms reported that Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt had been targeted by angry youths or hoodlums, with some accounts alleging that the property was engulfed in flames. These reports quickly gained traction, fueled by the ongoing political rivalry between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The feud, which has dominated headlines in recent months, has heightened tensions in the state, making such claims appear plausible to some observers.
However, the Rivers State Police Command swiftly moved to clarify the situation. In a statement released on Monday, March 17, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer, labeled the reports as “entirely false” and a calculated attempt to destabilize the region. “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online media platforms,” Iringe-Koko said, emphasizing that no such incident had occurred.
Police Assure Calm in Rivers State
Iringe-Koko’s statement went further to reassure residents that Rivers State remains peaceful, with no evidence of riots or attacks on Wike’s property. “The Command categorically states that this report is baseless and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents,” she declared. “There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state.”
The police spokesperson urged the public to dismiss the rumors, warning that the false claims were designed to provoke panic and undermine the relative stability enjoyed by Rivers State citizens. She also called on media outlets and individuals to verify information before dissemination, noting the potential consequences of unchecked misinformation in an already volatile political climate.
A Warning to Perpetrators
The police did not stop at debunking the rumors—they issued a stern warning to those responsible for spreading the false narrative. “The Rivers State Police Command sternly warns those engaging in activities capable of inciting public disorder to desist,” Iringe-Koko stated. “The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the peace in any form.” This suggests that authorities are prepared to investigate and prosecute those behind the fabricated story, viewing it as a potential threat to public safety.
Context of Political Tensions
The rumors come against the backdrop of a deepening power struggle between Wike and Governor Fubara, a conflict that has polarized Rivers State politics. Wike, a former governor of the state and a key figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before his appointment as FCT Minister under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has been at odds with Fubara over control of the state’s political machinery. This rift has led to clashes between their respective supporters, including protests and legal battles, though no credible reports of violence targeting Wike’s residence have surfaced until this now-debunked claim.
The timing of the rumor—coinciding with heightened political activity—has led some analysts to speculate that it may have been a deliberate ploy to inflame tensions further. However, without evidence, such theories remain conjecture, and the police have maintained that their focus is on preserving order rather than speculating on motives.
Public Reaction and Online Sentiment
The false reports sparked a flurry of reactions on social media platforms like X, where users expressed a mix of alarm, skepticism, and support for the police clarification. Some posts amplified the initial claims, with one user alleging that “angry youths” had banned Wike from returning to Rivers State—a narrative the police statement directly contradicts. Others praised the swift response from authorities, with sentiments reflecting relief that the situation had not escalated as rumored.
The incident highlights the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age, particularly in a region where political loyalties run deep, and emotions are easily stirred. The police’s proactive stance may serve as a deterrent, but it also underscores the need for greater public vigilance in verifying news sources.
Wike’s Silence and Broader Implications
As of March 18, 2025, Nyesom Wike has not publicly commented on the rumors or the police statement. His silence is notable, given his typically vocal approach to political matters, but it may reflect a strategic choice to let the authorities handle the situation without adding fuel to the fire. Meanwhile, the episode has drawn attention to the fragile peace in Rivers State and the potential for misinformation to exacerbate existing divisions.
For the Tinubu administration, which has faced criticism over its handling of regional conflicts, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining national stability. Wike’s role as FCT Minister ties him to the federal government, and any perceived unrest linked to him could have wider political repercussions.
Moving Forward
The Rivers State Police Command has made it clear that they are monitoring the situation closely, with a commitment to ensuring that peace is maintained. Their swift debunking of the attack rumors demonstrates a proactive approach to managing public perception and preventing escalation. For now, the focus remains on urging citizens to rely on verified information and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports.
As Rivers State navigates its political turbulence, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the power of rumors in shaping narratives—and the importance of authoritative voices in setting the record straight. With no evidence of hoodlums attacking or burning Wike’s house, the police have effectively put the story to rest, though the underlying tensions in the state are likely to persist as a key issue to watch in the months ahead.
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