Nigerian police dismissed allegations of riots in Rivers State and attacked Nisom Week’s residence
In short, following the political power struggle in Nigeria’s River state, President Bora Tinubu declared a state of emergency in March 2025. But the state’s riot claims are false.
The political crisis sparked by a feud between Rivers Governor Siminali Hubara and his predecessor, Naisom Week, led Nigerian President Bora Tinubu to declare a six-month emergency in March 2025.
The crisis has put Tinubu on the governor, his deputy and state legislators. The president then retired and sworn as Admiral Iboktete Ibas as the sole administrator to run the state on a temporary basis.
In this context, several Facebook posts claim that riots broke out in the state, riots at Wike’s residence, and other property flares up to prevent him from returning.
One Facebook post read: “Breaking News: Riots erupt at Rivers State as angry young people burn Wike’s home, burn vehicles and ban him from returning home.”
The same claims can be found on Facebook here, here and here. (Note: See the billing details at the end of this report.)
Was there a riot in Rivers State or was the Week home on fire? I checked.
There are no riots in Rivers State, police have confirmed
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In a statement reported by the media, Rivers State Police Command said online reporting of the riots and attacks on the FCT Minister’s residence were false.
“There is no record of such incidents and normality is spreading throughout the state. The public is urged to ignore these unfounded claims, which are clearly intended to cause panic and destabilise the relative peace and security enjoyed by the good people of the river,” police were quoted as saying.
Rivers State has been in the media spotlight since the state of emergency was declared, but given the tense political situation, there have been no reports of riots or damage to property.
The claims of the Rivers State riots and the attack on the Nisom Wyke home are false.
False claims can also be seen here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
