Barely three hours after the Rivers State Police Command announced the reopening of sealed local government secretariats, violence erupted across several areas on Monday, leading to arson, shootings, and fatalities.
A section of the Eleme Local Government secretariat was set ablaze shortly after the newly-elected chairman, Brian Gokpa, arrived with councillors and supporters.
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Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers deliberately targeted specific buildings, causing extensive damage. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
The secretariats had been closed since June following a political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former ally, Nyesom Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister. Governor Fubara’s appointed caretaker chairmen were forced to operate from alternative locations during the closure.
Despite opposition from Wike, local government elections were held on October 5, and newly-elected chairmen were sworn in by Governor Fubara the day before the violence.
Earlier that day, Rivers State Police Command confirmed the reopening of the secretariats following directives from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Commissioner of Police Bala Mustapha relayed the IGP’s order to withdraw police personnel stationed at the secretariats, emphasizing neutrality and democratic governance. The police assured they would return only if a security threat arose.
However, the attack on the Eleme secretariat raised security concerns as newly elected officials began assuming office.
In Khana Local Government, sporadic gunfire resulted in one fatality on the road leading to the Rector’s Lodge. Violence also erupted in Obio/Akpor, where police contained a confrontation involving thrown bottles.
In Bori, the PDP and Action People’s Party (APP) clashed at the Khana council secretariat following the withdrawal of police from the area.
Ikwerre witnessed a different incident, as unknown gunmen reportedly chased the newly-elected chairman and his supporters from the secretariat.
Pro-Wike supporters also took over the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Secretariat, blocking the pro-Governor Fubara chairman from accessing the office.
In Oyigbo, Executive Chairman Dr. Gift Okere took control of the council secretariat, with administrative activities resuming immediately after the swearing-in of the vice chairman and 10 elected councillors.
Meanwhile, in Ahoada East, attempts by pro-Wike groups to block access to the secretariat were dislodged after shootings, leaving three people injured.
The violence across these secretariats highlights the deep political divide in Rivers State, sparking concerns of further unrest as newly elected officials attempt to take office.
