Rivers State in Turmoil: Gunmen Kill Five, LGA Offices Torched

At least five people were reportedly killed in Rivers State on Monday, following a wave of violent attacks at several local government council secretariats. The attackers, believed to be political thugs, targeted the newly sworn-in chairmen of the affected local government areas (LGAs), chasing them out of their offices. The chaos erupted just hours after President Bola Tinubu directed the police to ensure the safety of public officials and restore order in the troubled state.

The assailants stormed the council headquarters in Khana, Oyibo, and Ahoada-East LGAs of River State, leading to gunfire that claimed lives and left many others injured. Eyewitnesses reported that the violence broke out when youths, claiming to support former council chairmen, confronted the newly elected officials. By midday, four LGA offices had been set ablaze as tensions continued to rise across the River state.

Violent Attacks and Arson Leave Communities in Fear in Rivers State

The violence that erupted in Rivers State has left many communities in shock and fear. According to eyewitness accounts, one person was shot dead at Khana LGA, while three were killed in Oyibo and one in Ahoada-East. The unrest was ignited when new council chairmen arrived at their offices to assume duties following their recent inauguration. They were met with hostility from local youths who opposed their election, claiming allegiance to the former officeholders.

In an escalating series of attacks, the council secretariats in Eleme, Emohua, Ikwerre, and Etche were set ablaze. Thugs reportedly stormed the Eleme office at around 11 a.m., setting parts of the building on fire and preventing the newly sworn-in chairman from accessing the premises. In Emohua LGA, explosives believed to be dynamite were used to destroy the office of Chairman David Omereji shortly after he inaugurated his deputy and 14 councillors.

President Tinubu Orders Security Measures Amid Rising Tensions

President Bola Tinubu swiftly responded to the escalating violence in Rivers State by directing law enforcement agencies to restore peace and order. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized the need to safeguard public institutions from vandalism, stressing that “self-help has no place in a democracy.” The president called for restraint from all political leaders and their supporters, urging them to uphold the rule of law and seek redress through the judiciary.

Tinubu’s response was prompted by growing concerns over the post-election tensions in Rivers State following the recent local government elections. As explosions and arson attacks rocked multiple LGAs, the president expressed deep concern over the Rivers state’s security, urging political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their followers from engaging in further violence.

Governor Fubara Condemns Destruction, Calls for Responsible Politics

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara condemned the violence and destruction of government facilities, calling for responsible political conduct in the state. Fubara, who visited the damaged council secretariat in Ikwerre, expressed sadness over the destruction of public property and urged Rivers State residents to avoid engaging in politically motivated violence. “Politics should not degenerate into killings and destruction,” the governor stated, urging all involved to act responsibly.

The governor further criticized those responsible for the attacks, stating that resources meant for developing the LGAs would now be diverted to rehabilitating the damaged facilities. Fubara also took a swipe at his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, calling on him to let go of his quest for political control in the Rivers state. “There comes a point where you need to let go. We don’t need to burn down Rivers State to prove a point,” Fubara added, calling for peace and unity in the wake of the violence.