At least five people are feared dead following shootings that broke out at various local government area secretariats in Rivers State on Monday.
The violence erupted when newly-elected local government chairmen, sworn in by Governor Siminialayi Fubara on Sunday, arrived at their respective council secretariats, only to be met with opposition from youths allegedly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.
Eyewitnesses report that the situation escalated into gunfire, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. “The ongoing gunfire has instilled fear within the surrounding communities,” said a local resident.
Reports indicate that three council secretariats – Eleme, Emohua, and Ikwerre – were set ablaze, while gunshots were fired sporadically in Ahoada East to resist the new council officials. The violence follows the withdrawal of police protection from the local government offices.
President Orders Police In
In response to the violence, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to protect local government secretariats in Rivers State against incursion by arsonists and vandals. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that the President “expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions” and directed law enforcement agencies to restore peace and order.
“The President urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions,” Onanuga added.
Governor Fubara had insisted on holding the local government elections on Saturday, despite opposition from the Nigerian police and sections of the political class.
The lingering political impasse in Rivers State has led critics to question whether President Tinubu’s response to the crisis has been adequate, and if the president has other political or geopolitical motives for allowing the crisis to fester without his direct intervention to help resolve it.
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