At least five people are feared dead following shootings that erupted at various local government area secretariats in Rivers State on Monday. The violence, which has impacted multiple LGAs across the state, has yet to be addressed officially by the police.
Reports indicate that many of the casualties are youths allegedly loyal to the state governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara. The ongoing gunfire at council offices has instilled fear within the surrounding communities, with the violence reportedly breaking out as newly-elected local government chairmen, who were sworn in by the governor on Sunday, arrived at their secretariats.
Upon their arrival, they encountered a group of youths opposing their election, who claimed they were there to clean the premises for the former council chairmen, whose tenures had recently ended. The confrontation quickly escalated into shootings, leaving several individuals injured and resulting in the deaths of five people—one in Khana, three in Oyibo, and one in Ahoada-East.
Additionally, three council offices in Eleme, Emohua, and Ikwerre were reportedly set ablaze as the violence intensified. Local authorities have not yet responded to the incidents, leaving residents in a state of fear and uncertainty.