The Rivers State Police Command has remained notably silent in the face of violent unrest that erupted at several local government council secretariats on Monday morning. Reports indicate that suspected "political thugs," allegedly supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, attacked the Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua local government secretariats. This occurred less than 24 hours after Governor Sim Fubara swore in newly elected local government chairmen.

The attackers reportedly barricaded the entrances to the councils and fired shots indiscriminately, seemingly aiming to prevent the newly elected officials from assuming their duties. On the same day, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State after more than three months of deployment.

In Bori, Khana Local Government Area, a gunfight ensued as armed men opened fire on members of a political party, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and police. Reports indicate that the Bori Police Division recovered the body of a civilian who was killed during the confrontation.

In Eleme, arsonists set fire to the local council in a bid to block the new chairman from taking office. Heavy gunfire was also reported in Obio/Akpor, where attackers sought to disrupt the inauguration of councilors by the local government chairman. A viral video showed the Ikwerre LG secretariat engulfed in flames, while in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, plastic chairs were scattered at the entrance of the secretariat due to the unrest.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that at least three people have died amid the chaos across Obio/Akpor, Khana, and Ahoada East LGAs. Despite numerous calls for intervention, the state police command has yet to address the situation or take decisive measures to restore order and security at the affected secretariats.

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