Gunmen Attack Governor Fubara’s Supporters in Rivers, Four Injured

Gunmen opened fire on a gathering of youths supporting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Wednesday. The attack, which left four people injured, has intensified political tensions in the state.

The youths had reportedly assembled at a roundabout in Elele to express solidarity with Governor Fubara when the assailants struck. The attack comes amid a political standoff, following a 48-hour ultimatum given to the governor by the Martin Amaewhule-led state assembly to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill before its March 5 deadline.

An eyewitness, identified as Mr. Nwokoro, alleged that the attack was led by a senior local vigilante commander known as “Fucking Naira,” who reportedly fired at least 14 shots at the group. The injured victims were taken to Madonna University Hospital in Elele for treatment. Nwokoro further claimed that the shooter is a factional leader of a political party and a strong supporter of a prominent politician in the state. He also alleged that the vigilante commander had threatened to continue attacking the governor’s supporters, urging security agencies to take swift action.

Rivers State Police Command spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, stating that four individuals sustained gunshot wounds. She explained that the attack occurred while a patrol team from Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, was addressing what they described as an unlawful assembly.

According to Iringe-Koko, an unidentified assailant opened fire from a hidden location, injuring multiple people. She confirmed that one suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee, and a single-barrel gun was recovered. The police have launched a manhunt for the remaining perpetrators.

Preliminary investigations indicate that some of the assailants were members of the local vigilante group, Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC). The arrested suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

The police assured the public that all those involved in the attack would be identified and brought to justice.