THEWILL recalls that clashes between Nigerian soldiers and IPOB agitators forced Abia Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, on Tuesday, to declare a three-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in the state which he extended till Friday.
Speaking to State House Correspondents at the end of the meeting, which lasted almost an hour, the IGP said the aim of the meeting was to ensure the security of all Nigerians.
He revealed that the police was engaging critical stakeholders which include governors to find a lasting peace as regards events in the South-East.
“Obviously, one, is to deploy policemen across the country, two, we are in touch with the state government, trying to mobilize the political leadership to be able to intervene where necessary on how to lessen the tension in the South-East,” he said.
Idris also berated the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for claiming that men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad were armed robbers.
He described Wike’s allegation that the reported killing of a SARS officer during a foiled kidnap operation on Monday in the Oroazi area of the state was a confirmation that his men were involved in armed robbery and kidnapping as nonsense.
“He has the right to self expression. You know he is a governor,” he stated.
“Of course I have to deny that, that is nonsense. I have to deny that.
“If a policeman was killed will you say he was involved in crime? I think you are mixing two different issues.
“A policeman was killed in Rivers in connection with this IPOB issue, is different from saying policemen are involved in crime.
“You cannot say someone that was attacked and killed is the one involved in crime.
“I just want you to read between the lines. If you have leaders making sweeping allegations obviously it does not make sense.”
