Just hours after the Rivers State Police Command unsealed several local government secretariats, violence broke out across the state, leading to arson, gunfire, and at least one fatality.
On Monday, the Eleme Local Government Secretariat was set ablaze shortly after the arrival of newly-elected Chairman Brian Gokpa, accompanied by councillors and supporters. Witnesses say the attackers targeted specific buildings, leaving parts of the complex in ruins. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but it follows months of political tension in the state.
The secretariats had been sealed since June due to a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former ally, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The closure forced caretaker chairmen appointed by Fubara to operate from alternative locations.
Despite opposition from Wike’s camp, local government elections went ahead on October 5, with newly elected chairmen sworn in the following day. The Rivers State Police Command, following directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had unsealed the secretariats and ordered the withdrawal of officers to allow for the peaceful resumption of governance.
However, tensions boiled over when violence erupted at the Eleme secretariat. In Khana Local Government Area, one person was killed in sporadic gunfire near the Rector’s Lodge, and in Obio/Akpor, police contained a confrontation that saw bottles thrown during a dispute.
In Ikwerre LGA, unknown gunmen reportedly forced the newly elected chairman and his supporters to flee from the secretariat. Similarly, pro-Wike supporters in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA seized control of the local secretariat, preventing the pro-Fubara chairman from accessing his office.
Meanwhile, Oyigbo LGA’s Chairman, Dr. Gift Okere, successfully took control of the secretariat, where administrative activities resumed without incident. Andoni LGA remains calm, with the chairman addressing supporters from his office.
A more serious outbreak of violence occurred in Ahoada East, where a shootout left three people injured as pro-Wike groups attempted to block access to the secretariat. Police later restored order.
The ongoing unrest reflects deep political divisions in Rivers State and raises concerns about the security of the newly elected local officials as they assume office.