Hundreds of youths believed to be against the #October1 protest flooded Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning.
The youths started gathering at about 8 am near the Federal Secretariat and the Pleasure Park in Rivers State Capital, the two venues used during the #EndBadGovernanceProtest in August which lasted for ten days.
The youths occupied territories between the Federal Secretariat and the Hotel Presidential, along Aba Road while about five police patrols manned by armed policemen, soldiers and operatives believed to be from the Department of State Services were spotted there.
The number of the anti-fearless protesters swelled hourly as over 200 were seen at about 10 am at the same location.
One of the youths who refused to mention his name told our reporter that they were there to ensure that the protest did not hold.
He stated, “We are not protesters. We are waiting for those who want to protest so that we can stop them.”
Also at the Pleasure Park, the anti-Fearless Protesters numbering about fifty were seen while three canopies were mounted near the gate of the popular fun spot in the metropolis.
Many of them sat on slabs while others sat under the canopies, even as they warned newsmen from taking pictures of them.
Meanwhile, our reporter observed that five youths, whose identities or the crime they committed could not be immediately seen, were arrested with their shirts removed and pushed inside a mini-bus near the Federal Secretariat.
As of the time of filing this report, more youths were arriving but there was no sign of genuine protesters just yet.
Briefing newsmen last Saturday some of the organisers of the October 1st Independence Day Protest under the ‘Take It Back Movement’ vowed to go ahead with the protest.
One of them, Andy Akpotive, while calling for mass participation said it is time to be counted and say no to bad governance and hold leaders accountable.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko about the arrest of the youths proved abortive as she did not take calls put across to her mobile by our representative.
She had yet to reply to a text message to her mobile as of the time of filing this report on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the State Police Command in a statement on Monday midnight warned against any protest that may lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The statement issued by the Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, also said operatives have been deployed to strategic locations within Port Harcourt and its environs to ensure there are no security breaches.
While noting that the deployment was not to intimidate anybody, she said operatives were on the lookout for miscreants who may want to catch in on the situation to foment trouble.
The statement reads, “In light of the upcoming “October 1 nationwide protest” associated with the hashtag #FearlessInOctober, scheduled to commence on 1 October 2024, the Rivers State Police Command wishes to express its awareness of the situation.
“We urge all residents to refrain from participating in any activities that may disrupt lawful proceedings and infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens in Rivers State.
“It is vital that the peace we currently enjoy is not further compromised, as recent events have demonstrated that protests can be exploited by individuals or criminal elements intent on causing disruption, often leading to regrettable incidents within our community.
“To uphold law and order and ensure the safety of all residents, the Commissioner of Police has deployed officers to strategic locations throughout the state. These measures are not intended to instil fear but to safeguard lives and property, maintain law and order, and ensure the free movement of vehicles.
“We kindly request that parents and guardians counsel their children and wards against participating in any protests. The police will take necessary and lawful actions to prevent any breakdown of law and order. We encourage residents to engage in their lawful activities, as we remain committed to providing comprehensive security for all.”
