Rivers LG Secretariats Rocked by Explosions

Political Unrest in Rivers Escalates as Thugs Set Rivers LG Secretariates on Fire

iexclusivenews – The political unrest in Rivers State has escalated as thugs set two Rivers LG Secretariats on fire, following the swearing-in of new council chairmen by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Rivers LG secretariats have become the focal point of these violent attacks, raising concerns about the stability and security of the region.

This online news media gathered that a group of armed hoodlums stormed multiple local government secretariats, vandalizing property and setting buildings ablaze. The attacks occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday, with Eleme Local Government Area being one of the first hit.

The thugs set parts of the secretariat on fire, vowing to prevent the newly sworn-in chairman from accessing the office.

In Ikwerre Local Government secretariat, Isiokpo, the office of the chairman was also set ablaze by thugs protesting the legitimacy of Saturday’s elections. The Rivers LG secretariats have thus become a battleground for political factions.

Explosives in Emohua

iexclusivenews report that in a more violent incident at Emohua, a group of youths attacked the council secretariat just after the newly sworn-in chairman, David Omereji, had inaugurated his deputy, Patient Ebere, along with 14 councillors.

The attackers reportedly detonated explosives, believed to be dynamite, causing significant damage to the building and shattering property within the premises.

These attacks follow the withdrawal of police from local government premises, after the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered security personnel to vacate the council gates. The escalating violence has raised concerns about political stability in the state.

Earlier Incidents

Earlier reports from Vanguard indicated that heavy gunfire was reported across several local government areas in the state, as armed thugs attempted to prevent newly sworn-in LG chairmen from accessing their respective council offices.

Following the conclusion of the local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Saturday, the state governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, swore in the 23 elected LG chairmen.

However, this morning, reports emerged that a political group opposed to the outcome of the LGA elections had mobilized 20 youths per ward to block the newly-elected chairmen and councillors from accessing their respective council secretariats.

Heavy gunfire was reported at the Ikwerre Local Government Secretariat in Isiokpo, the Khana Secretariat in Bori, and other locations across the state. This was earlier in the day before the news of arson and bombing broke.

The situation in Rivers State remains tense as authorities and residents grapple with the aftermath of these violent incidents.

The Rivers LG secretariats have become symbols of the ongoing political strife, and the need for swift and decisive action to restore order and security is more urgent than ever.