The Rivers State Police Command has remained silent following a wave of violence that erupted at several local government council secretariats on Monday morning.
Reports indicate that suspected political thugs, believed to be supporters of Minister Nyesom Wike, launched attacks on the Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua councils, just a day after Governor Sim Fubara swore in newly elected LG chairmen.
The attackers barricaded council entrances and fired shots indiscriminately, allegedly to prevent the newly elected chairmen from taking office.
In a related move, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State after over three months of deployment.
In Khana Local Government Area, violence escalated as armed men opened fire on members of a political party, resulting in a gunfight with police.
The Bori Police Division later recovered the body of a civilian fatally shot during the confrontation.
In Eleme, arsonists set fire to the local council building to hinder the inauguration of the newly elected chairman.
Heavy gunfire was also reported in Obio/Akpor LGA, where attackers attempted to disrupt the swearing-in of councilors.
A viral video the Ikwerre LG secretariat engulfed in flames, while plastic chairs were scattered at the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni secretariat following further disruptions.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least three people have died amid the chaos in Obio/Akpor, Khana, and Ahoada East LGAs.
Despite numerous calls for action, the state police command has yet to respond or take decisive steps to restore order and security at the affected secretariats.
