Violence Erupts in Rivers State as Local Government Secretariats are Torched

In the southeastern Nigerian state of Rivers, a section of the Eleme Local Government Council secretariat has been set ablaze, sparking fears of potential violence in some councils. The incident occurred when the newly elected chairman, Brain Gokpa, arrived at the secretariat accompanied by his councilors and supporters, only to discover that a few of the buildings had been damaged.

Gokpa, his councilors, and supporters have vowed to take over the secretariat, while in Emohua council, unknown individuals have barricaded the entrance, resisting the resumption of new Chairman David Omereju. A social media video captures the individuals chanting “No Wike, No Rivers State!!” as they protest the installation of Omereju.

So far, no arrests have been made, and the police have yet to release a statement on the situation. The tension in the region is palpable, with fears of an outbreak of violence in some councils.

The incident comes just days after the Rivers Local Government Elections, which were marred by controversies. The Action Peoples Party (APP) swept the polls, winning 22 out of the 23 local government areas, while the Action Alliance (AA) took the remaining one.

Meanwhile, in the Ahoada Local Government Area, a disagreement erupted on Monday after the police unsealed the council secretariats on the order of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Channels Television reported that police officers fired into the air to disperse persons who attempted to resist the resumption of the chairman of Ahoada East LGA. The incident occurred just days after the council polls in the oil-rich state.

The ongoing tensions in Rivers State are a cause for concern, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. One thing is certain, however: the people of Rivers State are bracing themselves for a potentially volatile few weeks ahead.