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Just hours after the Rivers State Police Command announced the reopening of previously sealed local government secretariats, chaos broke out in several areas, resulting in arson, gunfire, and the loss of life.
On Monday morning, a portion of the Eleme Local Government Secretariat was set on fire shortly after the arrival of the newly-elected chairman, Brian Gokpa, along with councillors and supporters.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers deliberately targeted specific sections of the complex, causing significant damage. The reason for the attack remains unclear at this time.
The secretariats had been sealed since June, following a political rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former ally, now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The closures forced caretaker chairmen, appointed by Governor Fubara, to operate from alternative locations.
Despite Wike’s attempts to prevent them, local government elections took place on Saturday, October 5, with the swearing-in of the newly elected chairmen conducted by Governor Fubara the following day.
Earlier, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed, in a statement, that the secretariats were unsealed following instructions from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. The new Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, communicated the IGP’s directive to withdraw police personnel stationed at the secretariats to maintain neutrality and allow for the smooth functioning of the democratic process. The Police stated they would only return if security concerns arose.
Despite assurances from the Police for residents to remain calm, the attack on the Eleme secretariat has heightened concerns about the safety of other local government offices as the newly elected officials take office.
In Khana Local Government, one person was killed following sporadic gunfire near the Rector’s Lodge.
Tensions also escalated in Obio/Akpor, where bottles were thrown during a confrontation. The Police successfully intervened and contained the situation.
In Bori, supporters of the PDP and the Action People’s Party (APP) clashed during a protest at the Khana council secretariat, following the withdrawal of police officers from the area.
In Ikwerre, unidentified gunmen reportedly chased away the newly-elected chairman and his supporters from the secretariat.
Meanwhile, pro-Wike supporters have taken control of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Secretariat, preventing the council chairman loyal to Governor Fubara from entering the premises.
Elsewhere, in Oyigbo council, Executive Chairman Dr. Gift Okere has assumed control of the council secretariat, with administrative activities resuming immediately after the swearing-in of the vice chairman and 10 elected councillors.
In Ahoada East, initial efforts by pro-Wike groups to block access to the secretariat were disrupted after gunshots rang out, leaving three individuals injured with bullet wounds.
The violence across several local government areas underscores the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State and has raised fears of further unrest as newly elected officials attempt to assume office.
