The political landscape in Rivers State has erupted into chaos as thugs, reportedly aligned with the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have set fire to multiple local government secretariats.
The newly constructed council secretariat in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), was among the first to be targeted, with videos circulating on social media showing the building engulfed in flames.
Residents confirmed the incident to Channels Television, although police officials have yet to comment on the situation or assess the extent of the damage. This escalation follows the withdrawal of police security from the 23 council secretariats ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, earlier on Monday.
The Emohua LGA also faced similar violence, where a group of youths barricaded the entrance to the secretariat, chanting slogans in support of Wike and opposing the newly elected chairman, David Omereji. A former ambassador from Eleme, Oji Ngofa, reported that when Brain Gokpa, the newly elected chairman of Eleme LGA, arrived at his office accompanied by supporters, he found parts of the secretariat already ablaze.
In Emohua, unknown individuals used explosives believed to be dynamite during their attack on the council secretariat shortly after Omereji’s inauguration. This violent act has raised fears of further unrest across various councils in Rivers State.
The incidents are part of a broader pattern of political instability following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s inauguration of new local government chairmen over the weekend. The elections were marred by protests and violence, with reports indicating that armed groups mobilized to obstruct newly elected officials from assuming their roles.
As tensions rise and no arrests have been made yet, local authorities are urged to take swift action to prevent further escalation and ensure community safety amidst growing fears of violence.
