Rivers State Chaos: 3 Feared Dead, 2 Council Buildings Set on Fire, Police Silent

Local government secretariats across Rivers State have been plunged into chaos following a series of violent attacks on Monday morning, leaving many residents in fear. The attacks, allegedly carried out by suspected political thugs, hit several key LGAs, including Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua. These incidents occurred less than 24 hours after Governor Sim Fubara swore in newly elected local government chairmen.

The attackers, believed to be loyalists of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, reportedly blocked the entrances to the council buildings and fired shots indiscriminately. Their alleged objective was to prevent the newly elected chairmen from assuming their offices.

A particularly tense confrontation unfolded in Bori, Khana LGA, where gunfire erupted between armed men and police officers, resulting in the tragic death of a civilian. In Eleme, the violence escalated when arsonists set fire to the council building, further obstructing the handover process.

Similar scenes of violence were reported in Obio/Akpor LGA, where gunshots were heard as attackers tried to disrupt the swearing-in ceremony of local councilors. In Ikwerre LGA, a viral video showed the secretariat engulfed in flames, while in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, plastic chairs were scattered outside the council office as thugs attempted to halt proceedings.

While unconfirmed reports suggest that at least three people have been killed in the attacks across several LGAs, the Rivers State Police Command has remained silent, offering no official statement or immediate action. The situation remains tense as calls for intervention grow louder, with the public urging the police to restore peace and security in the affected areas.

This violence comes just as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the withdrawal of police personnel from all 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State after months of deployment.