Chaos in Rivers as supporters of Fubara and Wike clash, resulting in a baby being tear-gassed. Full story and updates here.
According to reports, a tear-gas encounter between loyalists of former governor Nyesom Wike and supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday resulted in an unconscious baby.
During a medical outreach organized by the government in the Eliozu community, an incident took place within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
According to eyewitness accounts, a disturbance erupted during an outreach program for women’s healthcare at Eliozu Health Centre by state Ministry of Health officials.
It is said that followers of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule’s faction who are allegedly loyal arrived at the location to scrutinize the assembly. The health center happens to be situated closeby Amaewhule’s home and he leads a group consisting of 27 lawmakers who show allegiance towards Wike.
It has been reported that followers of Chijioke Ihunwo, who is the interim head of Obio/Akpor LGA and a supporter of Fubara, obstructed Amaewhule’s backers from entering the location. This resulted in an intense disagreement followed by a violent incident where stones were hurled causing major interruption to medical aid outreach programs.
Afterward, the anti-riot police showed up and utilized tear gas to scatter both factions. Amidst the turmoil, a youngster was exposed to tear-gas and lost consciousness. The medicinal operation was eventually moved to a government-owned location in Port Harcourt’s Waterlines area.
In response to the occurrence, Chijioke Ihunwo leveled blame on Amaewhule for initiating police intervention that interrupted the outreach. Specifically, Ihunwo conveyed, “This morning saw an event at Eliozu Health Centre during which former Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule led a group of security personnel in disrupting Ministry of Health’s program.”
After a brief interval, several police officers arrived and began physically assaulting the women in our group. They unleashed tear gas on expectant mothers who happened to be present at the Health Center.
Our message is clear – Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will not be subject to any form of siege. We appeal directly to the President, Bola Tinubu, urging you to take swift action against the Inspector General of Police and FCT Minister who are damaging your administration’s reputation.
We urge you to control them and ensure peace in Rivers State. The FCT Minister should focus on his role in Abuja rather than interfering with our beloved governor.
The incident was verified by Grace Iringe-Koko, who serves as the spokesperson for the state police command. According to her, a distress call was received on July 24th of 2024 from Eliozu community’s health centre where members of two different political groups were involved in an altercation.
In order to restore law and order, the police dispatched operatives to the scene who utilized anti-riot tactics such as canisters in dispersing crowds. An inquiry into the incident has commenced.
The Complex Casework Group (CCG) was incorporated by Abu with the participation of critical stakeholders from the Office of the Attorney-General of Nigeria and managed under the guidance and oversight of NCTC-ONSA.
The Complex Casework Group (CCG) of the Office of the Attorney-General was contributed by Abu, along with other crucial stakeholders. The NCTC-ONSA is overseeing and coordinating this effort.
