- Political Thugs Set Ikwere Local Government Secretariat on Fire Amid Unrest as thugs set ablaze Ikwere and Eleme local government secretariats in response to election results.
- Political Discontent is evident, with unrest rooted in grievances over perceived electoral manipulation favoring the APP.
- Safety Concerns arise as residents fear further violence, especially with police remaining absent from key areas.
Newsypeople – A fire outbreak has severely damaged the newly constructed Ikwere Local Government Secretariat and parts of the Eleme Council complex in Rivers State.
The incident occurred on Sunday and is believed to have been caused by explosive devices detonated by suspected political thugs. Reports indicate that the attackers stormed the secretariat buildings shortly after police officers were withdrawn from all 23 local government areas in the state.
Political Tensions Erupt in Rivers State
The unrest in Rivers State stems from dissatisfaction with the results of the recent local government elections. Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s camp, representing the Action Peoples Party (APP), secured victories in 22 out of 23 local government chairmanship seats. This outcome has incited anger among supporters of the opposition, who claim that the elections were manipulated. The thugs, reportedly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, expressed their grievances through violent means, targeting facilities associated with the newly elected officials.
The situation escalated when armed hoodlums stormed various local government secretariats, vandalizing properties and setting buildings ablaze. Eyewitnesses reported that gunfire erupted as these groups attempted to prevent newly sworn-in chairmen from accessing their offices. The chaos not only affected Ikwerre and Eleme but also spread to other local government areas, raising alarms about escalating violence in the region.
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The Attack on Ikwere and Eleme Secretariats
On Monday morning, chaos ensued as thugs set fire to both the Ikwere and Eleme Local Government secretariats. Upon arrival at the council complex, Eleme Local Government Chairman Brian Gokpa found his office engulfed in flames. Efforts to extinguish the fire were futile as it had already caused extensive damage. Similarly, Ikwere Local Government Chairman Israel Abosi faced hostility when he attempted to enter his office, leading to further unrest.
Local residents reported that this was part of a coordinated effort by political factions opposed to Fubara’s administration. The attackers allegedly mobilized youth from various wards, offering them financial incentives to disrupt governance in their respective areas. This strategic mobilization indicates a troubling trend where political disputes manifest in violent actions against public institutions.
Broader Implications for Governance and Security In Rivers State
The violent incidents have raised significant concerns about governance and security in Rivers State. With police personnel withdrawn from local government premises following directives from the Inspector General of Police, fears of further unrest loom large. The absence of law enforcement has emboldened thugs to act with impunity, leading to a breakdown of order.
Political analysts warn that if these tensions are not addressed promptly, they could spiral into a more extensive conflict that undermines democratic processes in the region. The situation calls for urgent intervention from both state authorities and federal security agencies to restore peace and ensure that elected officials can perform their duties without fear of violence.
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