Just hours after the Rivers State Police Command announced the reopening of local government secretariats that had been closed, violent incidents erupted across several areas, resulting in arson, gunfire, and fatalities. On Monday morning, a portion of the Eleme Local Government secretariat was set ablaze shortly after newly-elected chairman Brian Gokpa arrived, accompanied by councillors and supporters. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants appeared to specifically target certain buildings within the complex, causing significant destruction. The reasons behind this targeted violence remain unclear.
The local government secretariats had been shut since June due to a political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former ally, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This political clash had forced caretaker chairmen appointed by Fubara to operate from alternate locations. Despite Wike’s efforts to obstruct them, local government elections took place on October 5, followed by a swearing-in ceremony for the new chairmen on Monday.
Earlier that day, the Rivers State Police confirmed the decision to unseal the secretariats based on instructions from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, communicated the IGP’s directive to withdraw police personnel stationed at the secretariats to uphold neutrality and facilitate the smooth transition of democratic processes. The police assured residents of their commitment to maintaining peace but indicated they would return to the areas if any security threats arose.
However, the violence at the Eleme secretariat has sparked concerns regarding the safety of other local government offices as newly elected officials begin their terms. In Khana Local Government, reports emerged of one individual killed amid sporadic gunfire near the Rector’s Lodge. Further unrest occurred in Obio/Akpor, where bottles were thrown during a confrontation, although police managed to restore order.
In Bori, clashes broke out between members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action People’s Party (APP) at the Khana council secretariat, following the police withdrawal. Additionally, in Ikwerre, unidentified gunmen reportedly chased the newly-elected chairman and his supporters from the secretariat. Pro-Wike factions have also seized control of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Secretariat, blocking the pro-Governor Fubara chairman from entering the office.
Meanwhile, in Oyigbo, Executive Chairman Dr. Gift Okere successfully assumed control of the council secretariat, resuming administrative functions immediately after the swearing-in of the vice chairman and ten councillors. Andoni has remained calm, with the council chairman addressing supporters from his office. In Ahoada East, initial attempts by pro-Wike groups to restrict access to the secretariat were thwarted after gunfire, resulting in injuries to three individuals.
The wave of violence underscores the entrenched political divisions in Rivers State and raises concerns about the potential for further unrest as newly elected officials attempt to establish their authority.