On Monday morning, several local government secretariats across Rivers State were thrown into chaos as violence erupted, with police authorities yet to make any official statement or take clear action to restore calm. The violence occurred less than 24 hours after Governor Sim Fubara swore in newly elected local government chairmen in the state.
According to reports, the attacks were carried out by suspected political thugs, allegedly supporters of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State. The secretariats of Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua local government areas were all targeted in coordinated attacks.
The thugs reportedly blocked the entrances of the council buildings and opened fire randomly, causing panic among local residents and workers. The purpose of the violence is believed to be to prevent the newly elected chairmen from resuming their duties.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier ordered the withdrawal of police officers stationed at the 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State after they had been deployed for more than three months. This left the secretariats without immediate police protection as the violence unfolded.
In Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area, a shootout occurred between armed men and members of a political party, which escalated into a full-scale gunfight with the police. During the clash, a civilian was reportedly killed, with the police later recovering the body from the scene.
In Eleme, the local government secretariat was set on fire by suspected arsonists who were determined to prevent the newly elected chairman from assuming office. Meanwhile, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, there were reports of heavy gunfire as the assailants disrupted the inauguration of councilors by the newly elected chairman.
A viral video circulating online showed the Ikwerre Local Government secretariat engulfed in flames, while in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, chairs were scattered across the entrance of the council building after the thugs launched another violent attack.
Although local media reports suggest that at least three people have lost their lives in the attacks across Obio/Akpor, Khana, and Ahoada East LGAs, this information remains unconfirmed. Despite the ongoing violence and increasing public concern, the Rivers State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement or take visible steps to address the unrest and secure the affected areas.
