Newly Sworn-in Rivers LG Chairmen Flee amid Wike, Fubara Feud as Violence Turns Deadly
- There were injuries and at least one fatality as shootings were recorded at various local government area secretariats in Rivers state on Monday, October 7
- Legit.ng gathered that many of the casualties were men loyal to the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara
- The violence reportedly broke out when the newly-elected local government chairpersons, sworn in by Governor Fubara on Sunday, October 7, arrived at their respective council secretariats
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering politics and elections in Nigeria.
Port Harcourt, Rivers state - Disturbing violence erupted in several parts of Rivers state on Monday, October 7, leading to arson, shooting, and fatalities.
As reported by Vanguard, the cycle of violence forced the newly sworn-in local government (LG) chairpersons to flee their secretariats.
Source: Facebook
In a report on Monday afternoon, October 7, the newspaper said considering the targeted attacks, it was difficult for the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-backed chairmen to perform administrative duties from their respective LG secretariats.
One feared killed amid Rivers political crisis
In Khana local government area (LGA), one person was reportedly killed during sporadic gunfire on the road leading to the Rector’s Lodge.
The Punch quoted a source as saying the gunshot was heard near Bori city. The source added that the shooting caused people to run in different directions.
He said:
“It was near Bori but I can’t say exactly where.
"A young man was shot and people started running. The man was rushed to the hospital this morning.”
Legit.ng reports that the spiralling trend of violence in several parts of Rivers emerged hours after Nigeria's inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, asked his men — who initially sealed the secretariats — to immediately vacate the facilities.
Rivers crisis: Analyst speaks on way forward
Meanwhile, a social commentator, Femi Bolaji, warned the feuding parties in Rivers state to be mindful of the actions.
Bolaji told Legit.ng:
"I think it is time for all political actors to look at the consequences of their actions on the development of the state.
"We saw how some government properties were torched, and this is sad and should be condemned."
He added:
"On the way forward, leaders of thought in that state should see this as a challenge and rise up to the occasion."
Read more Rivers news
- Bode George sends key message to Wike as Rivers crisis deepens
- FCT minister: VDM drags Nyesom Wike over Abuja roads, claims he is distracted: “leave PH alone”
- Centre condemns Fubara's 'electoral heist' in Rivers as 'travesty of democracy'
Rivers: Ikwerre LG secretariat burnt
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the newly-built council secretariat at Isiokpo in Ikwerre local government area (LGA) of Rivers state was set ablaze.
A resident in the area confirmed the incident with videos of the arson trending on X (formerly Twitter).
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Source: Legit.ng
