At least one person has been feared dead following a protest by aggrieved protesters in Bori, the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Monday.
It is unclear whether the event is related to the protest that erupted in several LGs over the police order to unseal the secretariats of the state’s 23 LGs, which have been under lock and key since July.
A person who requested anonymity told our reporter that a gunshot was heard near Bori and that people began rushing in various 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 occurred as protests extended to other LGs, with some teenagers taking over the council buildings in Emuoha and Ikwerre LGs.
In Ikwerre LG, protesters who broke into the secretariat in Isiokpo set fire to a piece of it, preventing staff from inspecting it.
According to reports, the recently sworn-in chairman of Ikwerre was unable to attend the inauguration of his councillors.
According to a source, police later intervened to stop the riot while the fire was extinguished; however, certain elements of the council buildings were damaged.
Protesters in Emuuoha LG blocked the newly sworn-in chairman from inspecting the council headquarters in Isiokpo.
The protesters stated that the candidate of the Action Peoples Party, which they described as an unpopular and unknown party, lacked the necessary qualifications to win the just-finished election.
Protesters reportedly blocked the main entrance of the secretariat.
They were alleged to have taken control of the administration building, claiming they would not allow Chairman David Omereji to take office.
Their supporters insisted on recognising the immediate previous KG Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, as the legitimately elected chairman and demanding that he be allowed to complete his term as extended by the state House of Assembly.
Morrison Jim, Chairman of the PDP Emohua Council, addressed the people and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
He stated that despite not taking part in the recent election owing to a court injunction, the PDP remained strong and unified.
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, demonstrators broke into the Eleme LG secretariat and set it on fire, burning multiple buildings and automobiles, including a police vehicle on council property.
When contacted, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the state police command, stated that she was in a meeting and will get back to our correspondent.
She still had work to do as of Monday afternoon when this report was submitted.
