Local government secretariats in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emuoha have been burned in a wave of violence in Rivers State. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the culprits behind the attacks.
The recently constructed council secretariat in Isiokpo, located within the Ikwerre Local Government area, has been set on fire.
A local resident confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Monday, while videos circulating on social media depict the administrative building engulfed in flames.
The police have not released any comments regarding the incident, and the full extent of the damage remains unknown.
This occurred after the police commissioner withdrew the officers who were safeguarding the 23 council secretariats.
The Emohua Local Government Council secretariat has been set on fire. A group of youths blocked the entrance, chanting songs in support of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike while declaring that they would not allow the new chairman, David Omereji, to assume office.
Earlier, a fire broke out in parts of the Eleme council secretariat.
Former ambassador Oji Ngofa, a native of Eleme, informed Channels Television that the newly elected council chairman, Brain Gokpa, arrived at the secretariat with his councilors and supporters.
According to him, the LG boss found out that several buildings within the council had been set on fire.
READ ALSO: Rivers State: Eleme LG Secretariat Destroyed in Fire Incident
The newly appointed council chairman, along with his councillors and supporters, has pledged to assume control of the secretariat regardless of any obstacles. The Chairman accuses his predecessor of being responsible for the arson attack and states that he has reported the incident to police authorities.
In Emohua council, certain unidentified individuals have blocked the entrance to the secretariat. They are opposing David Omereju’s assumption of his role as the new Chairman. A video circulating on social media captures them chanting “No Wike, No Rivers State!”
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the police have not yet issued any statement regarding the situation. There is a noticeable fear of possible violent outbreaks in certain areas of the state.
The incident adds to the growing list of issues that have arisen since Governor Siminalayi Fubara inaugurated the new chairmen in Rivers State on Sunday.
Saturday’s election was marked by drama, intrigue, and unexpected twists in the lead-up. The period leading to the polls—and the day itself—saw explosions, protests, and gunfire as Rivers residents cast their votes.
