In Rivers State, a series of violent incidents has rocked two local government areas, escalating tensions across the region.
The secretariat of the Eleme Local Government Area is currently engulfed in flames after an explosion from a suspected dynamite device. The blast not only set the main building on fire but also destroyed several vehicles in the area, leaving a trail of destruction.
Meanwhile, in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, protesters stormed the council headquarters in Omoku, blocking the newly sworn-in chairman from assuming office.
The protesters, who are yet to be formally identified, have effectively shut down operations at the council, fueling fears of further unrest.
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These incidents follow a directive issued by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday.
Egbetokun had ordered the immediate unsealing of the secretariats across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas and the withdrawal of police officers who had occupied the councils since July.
This decision came after months of tension over political control and unrest within the state.
The withdrawal of the police has seemingly triggered violent reactions in some local governments, with the events in Eleme and Omoku highlighting the volatile situation.
As the crisis unfolds, concerns are rising over the potential for further escalation, with many questioning whether the state government will be able to restore order in the affected areas.
Local authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the incidents, and investigations are reportedly underway to determine the cause of the explosion in Eleme and identify the organizers of the protests in Omoku.