By Milcah Tanimu
Violence has surged dramatically in Rivers State, resulting in corpses littering local government offices in the Ikwerre and Ahoada East LGAs.
Initially sparked by protests over recent local government elections, the unrest has escalated into deadly clashes involving armed groups around council offices. Graphic videos circulating online depict disturbing scenes of bodies near the council secretariats. This follows the rejection of newly sworn-in chairmen by supporters of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The factions continue to dispute the legitimacy of the local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). While authorities have yet to release an official death toll, the violence appears to be spreading, with reports of gunfire in multiple locations.
The Rivers State Police Command has not confirmed these incidents. Security forces have withdrawn from the council secretariats following an order from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
