One feared dead as protesters set Rivers LG secretariat on fire

One person is feared dead following a shooting in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday

It is not clear if the incident is linked to the protest that rocked some LGs over the order of the police to unseal the secretariats of the 23 LGs of the state which have been under lock and key since July.

A source who pleaded anonymity told our reporter that the gunshot was heard near Bori, saying people started running 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.”

This came as protest spread to other LGs where some youths took over the council headquarters in Emuoha and Ikwerre LGs.

In Ikwerre LG, protesters who invaded the secretariat in Isiokpo set fire to a section of the secretariat, preventing the workers from assessing the place.

It was gathered the situation prevented the newly sworn-in Chairman of Ikwerre from going in to inaugurate his councillors.

A source said the police later moved in to quell the riot while the fire was put out, though some parts of the council headquarters were damaged.

In Emuuoha LG, protesters prevented the newly sworn-in chairman from assessing the council headquarters in Isiokpo.

The protesters claimed that the candidate of the Action Peoples Party which they termed an unpopular and unknown party does not have what it takes to win the just concluded election.

The protesters were said to have blocked the main entrance to the secretariat.

They were said to have taken control of the administrative building, saying they would not allow the Chairman, David Omereji, to assume office.

Their supporters insisted that they recognised the immediate past KG Chairman, Dr Chidi Lloyd, as the duly elected chairman and demanded that he be allowed to complete his tenure as extended by the state House of Assembly.

The PDP Emohua Council Chairman, Morrison Jim, addressed the public, reaffirming the party’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

He said despite not participating in the recent election due to a court order, the PDP remained strong and united.

He stated, “We respect the legal process and have chosen to abide by the court’s decision. Our focus remains on serving the people and promoting the well-being of our good people of Emolga.”

Earlier on Monday, protesters invaded the Eleme LG secretariat and set it on fire, destroying several buildings and cars, including a police vehicle inside the council premises.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she was in a meeting and promised to get back to our correspondent.

She had yet to do as of the time of filing this report on Monday afternoon.