Rivers Crisis: Thugs Kill One, Set LGA Secretariats Ablaze, Forcing Officials To Flee

Just hours after the Rivers State Police Command lifted the closure on several local government secretariats, violence erupted across the state, leading to arson, shootings, and fatalities.

Naija News earlier reported that on Monday morning, a part of the Eleme Local Government Area secretariat was set ablaze shortly after newly elected Chairman Brian Gokpa arrived with his councillors and supporters.

According to Vanguard, eyewitnesses reported that the attackers targeted specific buildings within the complex, causing significant damage. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.

These secretariats had been closed since June amid a political rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former ally, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

During the standoff, Fubara-appointed caretaker chairmen operated from alternative locations.

Despite Wike’s resistance, local government elections proceeded on October 5, 2024, with Governor Fubara swearing in new chairmen the following day.

The Rivers State Police Command, in a statement earlier in the day, confirmed they had reopened the secretariats under orders from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Bala Mustapha directed police personnel to vacate the secretariats, aiming to support democratic processes without bias.

The police assured the public they would only return if a security threat arose.

However, the subsequent attack on the Eleme secretariat has heightened security concerns as the newly elected officials begin their duties.

In Khana Local Government Area, sporadic gunfire led to one fatality on the road near the Rector’s Lodge, while in Obio/Akpor LGA, tensions erupted, with bottles thrown during a confrontation. Police were able to contain the situation without further escalation.

In Bori, protests flared up as members of the PDP and the Action People’s Party (APP) clashed at the Khana Council Secretariat, reacting to the police withdrawal from the area.

In Ikwerre LGA, gunmen reportedly forced the newly elected chairman and his supporters out of the secretariat, while in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, pro-Wike supporters occupied the local government office, blocking access to the pro-Governor Fubara council chairman.

Meanwhile, in Oyigbo LGA, newly appointed Executive Chairman Dr. Gift Okere has assumed control, with council operations resuming promptly following the vice chairman’s and councilors’ swearing-in.

Andoni LGA has remained calm, with the council chairman addressing his supporters from his office in Ngo.

However, in Ahoada East, pro-Wike groups attempted to seize control of the secretariat, resulting in a shooting incident that injured three people.

The widespread violence underscores the deep political divisions within Rivers State, raising concerns about stability as newly elected officials take office amidst ongoing tension.

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