No Boko Haram in Rivers - Govt

RIVERS State Government says it is unaware of any activities of the Boko Haram Islamist sect in the state.

Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha disclosed this to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday while reacting to news reports credited to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika that the sect has spread its activities to some states of the federation including Rivers State.

The Army boss claimed in a presentation before the 20- member Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters set up to investigate the alleged extra judicial killings of eight suspected Boko Haram members in the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja that intelligence suggests Boko Haram insurgents operate in the state.

Chief Okocha said it is untrue that Boko Haram has spread its activities to Rivers, adding that there is no evidence to show the presence of the sect in the state.

He said such report was a plot to heighten military operations in the state ahead of the general elections.

According to him, despite lapses by the Rivers State Police Command, to curtail increase in criminal activities as a result of its dereliction of duty and involvement in partisan politics, the state is yet to receive any report of Boko Haram activities in any part of the state.