Violence erupted across several local government council secretariats in Rivers State on Monday morning, raising alarm over the state of security in the state.
Suspected political thugs, allegedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, launched coordinated attacks on the Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua secretariats.
This wave of aggression came just a day after Governor Sim Fubara swore in newly elected local government chairmen.
Witnesses report that the attackers barricaded the entrances to the council offices and fired shots indiscriminately, creating chaos and fear among residents and officials.
The motive appears to be a blatant attempt to disrupt the inauguration process and prevent the newly elected chairmen from assuming their duties.
In a related development, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State, a move that has raised further concerns about law enforcement’s capacity to handle the escalating violence.
The situation took a more violent turn in Bori, Khana LGA, where a gunfight erupted as armed assailants targeted members of a political party, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire with police forces.
In Eleme, arsonists set fire to the local council building in a desperate bid to thwart the newly elected chairman’s entry into office. Meanwhile, heavy gunfire echoed in Obio/Akpor, as assailants attempted to disrupt the inauguration of local councilors, leading to widespread panic.
A viral video circulating on social media depicted the Ikwerre LG secretariat engulfed in flames, while images from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni showed the aftermath of the chaos, with plastic chairs strewn about at the entrance.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that at least three individuals have lost their lives amid the turmoil across Obio/Akpor, Khana, and Ahoada East LGAs. Despite mounting pressure from the community and calls for intervention, the Rivers State Police Command has remained conspicuously silent, raising questions about their readiness to restore order and ensure the safety of local citizens during this volatile period.