Barely hours after the Rivers State Police Command announced the unsealing of local government secretariats, violence erupted across the state, leaving a trail of destruction and death.
Unrest Spreads:
- Eleme Local Government: Thugs set secretariat ablaze, targeting specific buildings
- Khana Local Government: One person killed in sporadic gunfire
- Obio/Akpor: Bottles thrown during confrontation
- Bori: PDP and APP members clash
- Ikwerre: Unknown gunmen chase newly elected chairman and supporters out of secretariat
- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni: Pro-Wike supporters take over secretariat
- Political Tensions Boil Over:
The violence follows a protracted political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike. The secretariats had been sealed since June, forcing caretaker chairmen to operate from alternative locations.
Newly Elected Officials Face Intimidation
Despite the police’s assurance of neutrality, the attacks have raised concerns about the security of newly elected officials. Governor Fubara swore in new chairmen yesterday, amid tensions.
Police Response
The Rivers State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm, promising to maintain peace. However, the withdrawal of police personnel from the secretariats has created a power vacuum, exploited by rival groups.
Rivers State Teeters on the Brink
As violence escalates, fears of further unrest grow. The people of Rivers State anxiously await a resolution to the political crisis.
Sources:
Vanguard News, Rivers State Police Command.
