The unexpected violence that broke out at many local government council secretariats on Monday morning has not been met with any response from the Rivers State Police Command.
Just 24 hours after Governor Sim Fubara swore in the newly elected LG chairmen, it was reported that suspected “political thugs” who were thought to be supporters of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, attacked the secretariats of the local government councils in Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua on Monday morning.
According to reports, the terrorists opened fire randomly and blocked the council’s gates.
The purported goal of these activities is to keep the recently elected LG chairman from taking up their positions.
After more than three months of deployment, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered on Monday that police troops leave the 23 Rivers State LG secretariats immediately.
A gunfight broke out in Bori, Khana LGA when armed individuals started shooting at political party members, sparking a firefight between the attackers and the police.
Additionally, according to reports, the citizen who was shot and killed during the altercation was found dead by the Bori Police Division.
Arsonists attempted to obstruct the newly elected chairman from assuming office in Eleme by setting the local council on fire.
Similar to this, there were reports of intense gunfire at Obio/Akpor LGA, when attackers attempted to obstruct the local government chairman’s inauguration of councilors.
Additionally, a leaked video to the media showed the Ikwerre LG secretariat on fire, and after more disturbances by the supposed political thugs in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, plastic chairs were strewn at the secretariat’s entrance.
Three fatalities are reportedly reported as a result of the turmoil in the LGAs of Obio/Akpor, Khana, and Ahoada East, according to unverified reports.
The state police command has not yet responded to requests for action or taken significant measures to reestablish security and order at the impacted secretariats.
