The new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mustapha Bala, on Wednesday, conducted inspection visits to several local government council secretariats that were affected by violent clashes earlier in the week.
Bala’s inspection tour followed a meeting with Chijioke Ihunwo at the Obio/Akpor council in Rumuodumaya, before he proceeded to Emohua, Isiokpo in Ikwerre LGA, and Eleme local government areas to assess the damage caused by Monday’s violence.
The violence erupted in at least four local government areas, leading to parts of the buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua being set ablaze. Sporadic gunfire was also reported in Ahoada East as locals resisted the newly appointed council officials.
The destruction occurred after police officers securing the 23 council secretariats were withdrawn by the police commissioner.
This followed political tensions between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police, who chose not to participate in the local government elections.
However, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted the elections proceed last Saturday, despite the tensions.
The Action People’s Party (APP) emerged victorious in 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions in the oil-rich state, while the Action Alliance (AA) secured one seat. Governor Fubara swore in the newly elected chairmen on Sunday, but violent clashes ensued on Monday, with some newly installed officials being attacked and their council secretariats set on fire by political opponents.
In response to the violence, the Rivers State Government has established a judicial inquiry into the arson, killings, and other related incidents.
Governor Fubara has vowed to take decisive action, collaborating with security agencies to hold those responsible for the destruction accountable. He promised that this incident, unlike previous cases, would not be overlooked.