Rivers State is gripped by intensifying violence, with scenes of bodies littering local government offices in Ikwerre and Ahoada East Local Government Areas (LGAs), following deadly clashes between armed groups.
The unrest, sparked by protests over the controversial local government elections, has rapidly spiralled, and online videos reveal a grim sight of bodies surrounding the council secretariats.
The violence reportedly escalated after newly elected chairmen, allegedly aligned with supporters of former Governor Nyesom Wike, were sworn in.
Protestors contest the legitimacy of the election results conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), claiming they do not represent the people’s will.
Eyewitnesses report gunfire echoing across multiple locations, with security forces conspicuously absent at council premises after an order from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“We are concerned over the escalating situation but are acting in line with directives from higher authorities,” stated a source within the Rivers State Police Command.
So far, the Rivers State Police Command has not confirmed the number of casualties, and official communication on the situation remains limited.
However, the violence appears to be spreading beyond the affected LGAs, with reports indicating clashes and gunfire in neighbouring areas.
The incident has sparked a growing outcry for swift intervention. With tension on the rise, local residents are calling for urgent action to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation evolves, with the assurance that police readiness will safeguard public peace as needed.
The violence followed the withdrawal of policemen from the council Secretariats on he orders of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetukon.
The directive, issued on Monday, October 7, was confirmed in a statement by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer.
According to Iringe-Koko, “The newly deployed State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, conveyed the directives of the Inspector General for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the Local Government Secretariats in the state.”
This withdrawal underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) commitment to impartiality amid shifting political tides.
The statement emphasised, “This decision aligns with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.”
The NPF clarified that, while officers are currently withdrawn, police will redeploy only if there is a significant disruption to public order. In such cases, emergency measures would be taken to restore stability promptly.
“The Rivers State Command assures the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state,” the statement noted, underscoring the command’s dedication to professional conduct.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation evolves, with the assurance that police readiness will safeguard public peace as needed.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu finally broke his silence on Rivers crisis as tension escalated on Monday.
According to Onanuga, the president said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.
The president also ordered the police to maintain order, protect local government workers, and bring the situation under control.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu, who is currently out of the country said the issues arising from the controversial local government election in Rivers could be resolved in the court.
According to Onanuga, the president said government facilities in the state must be safeguarded from vandalism.
The statement read in part, “In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.”
“He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.
“President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.
“While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.
He further advised the warring parties not to resort to self-help, adding that the judiciary is capable of settling the dispute
“He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
“According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception,” Onanuga said.
President Tinubu’s comment came after suspected hoodlums set Eleme, Ikwere, and Emouha secretariats on fire on Monday, October 7, 2024.
This situation heightens the lingering feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike following the election largely won by the Action Peoples Party (APP).