Gunfire And Arson At Rivers LG Secretariats – Where Are The Police

Gunfire And Arson At Rivers LG Secretariats – Where Are The Police

The Rivers State Police Command has remained tight-lipped following a wave of violence that erupted at multiple local government council secretariats on Monday morning.

According to DAILY POST, suspected political thugs, believed to be supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, targeted the Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua local government council secretariats. This violent outbreak occurred less than 24 hours after Governor Sim Fubara swore in newly elected local government chairmen.

The assailants reportedly barricaded the entrances to the secretariats and fired shots randomly, aiming to prevent the newly elected chairmen from assuming office.

On Monday, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State, following a deployment of over three months.

In Bori, Khana LGA, a gunfight broke out when armed men opened fire on political party members, prompting an exchange of fire between the attackers and the police. The Bori Police Division later recovered the body of a civilian who was fatally shot during the clash.

In Eleme, arsonists set fire to the local council in an attempt to prevent the newly elected chairman from taking office. Similarly, heavy gunfire was reported in Obio/Akpor LGA, where attackers sought to disrupt the swearing-in of councilors by the local government chairman.

A viral video obtained by DAILY POST showed the Ikwerre LG secretariat engulfed in flames, while in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, plastic chairs were seen scattered at the entrance of the secretariat amid further disruptions by the alleged political thugs.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that three people have been killed in the chaos across Obio/Akpor, Khana, and Ahoada East LGAs.

Despite numerous appeals for action, the Rivers State Police Command has yet to issue a statement or take decisive measures to restore peace and security at the affected secretariats.