Violence broke out in several parts of Rivers State just hours after the police reopened local government secretariats that had been closed for months. One person was killed, buildings were set on fire, and some local government chairmen had to flee for safety as thugs launched attacks across different areas.
The unrest began on Monday morning, shortly after the Eleme Local Government secretariat reopened. Thugs reportedly set fire to part of the building soon after the newly elected chairman, Brian Gokpa, arrived with his councillors and supporters. Witnesses said the attackers targeted certain areas of the secretariat, causing severe damage, though their exact reasons for the attack remain unclear.
The local government offices had been sealed since June, due to a political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who were once political allies. Governor Fubara had appointed caretaker chairmen to manage the councils, but they were forced to operate from other locations while the offices remained closed.
Despite Wike’s opposition, local government elections took place on October 5, and Governor Fubara swore in the new chairmen the following day. Shortly after the swearing-in, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the reopening of the secretariats, based on orders from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The police withdrew their personnel from the secretariats but promised to return if security threats emerged.
Unfortunately, the calm did not last long. In Khana Local Government, one person was killed during gunfire near the Rector’s Lodge. More violence erupted in other areas, including Obio/Akpor, where a confrontation led to bottles being thrown before police managed to bring the situation under control.
In Bori, members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action People’s Party (APP) clashed during a protest at the Khana council secretariat, while in Ikwerre, unknown gunmen chased the newly elected chairman and his supporters out of the secretariat.
Pro-Wike supporters also took over the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government secretariat, preventing the pro-Fubara chairman from entering the office. In contrast, in Oyigbo, Executive Chairman Dr. Gift Okere successfully assumed control of the secretariat, and work began with the swearing-in of other local officials.
Other areas of Rivers State have remained relatively peaceful, such as Andoni, where the chairman addressed his supporters from his office. However, in Ahoada East, gunfire broke out when pro-Wike groups tried to block access to the secretariat, resulting in three people being injured by gunshots.
