The Rivers State Police has denied allegations that its operatives accompanied individuals to encroach on Rumuosi community land at Ohia Egbelu Rumuosi, near the Obirikwere Flyover along Airport Road, Port Harcourt.
The denial comes after police fired gunshots into the air on Tuesday to disperse protesting community members who had blocked the road, accusing certain individuals of violating a High Court order protecting their land. The gunfire caused panic, forcing motorists and residents to flee for safety.
Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Kevin Amanye Ihunda, insisted that “Rumuosi land is not for sale,” while other residents condemned what they described as defiance of the court ruling.
Meanwhile, the legal team of Dr. Colonel Ogwumeru Eke stated that the disputed Agbada Esilaru land along Port Harcourt Airport Road has never belonged to the Rumuosi community, but to Eke and his family, as affirmed by the court judgment in Suit No. CCC/22/2015.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko reiterated that officers were deployed only to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the area.
