Rivers crisis worsens as protest, explosion rock councils, clashes mar chairmen’s assumption

Bloody clashes, gunshots and explosions have heralded the resumption of chairmen sworn-in by Rivers Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

 

It was gathered that while those against the election took over some councils, clashes and explosions rocked other secretariats, reports The Nation.

 

Emohua Local Government Area was reportedly taken over by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opposed to the elections.

 

The clashes emerged shortly after the Inspector-General of Police asked policemen, who initially sealed the secretariats to avoid violence to withdraw from the facilities immediately.

 

Already the secretariat of the Eleme LGA in the state was set ablaze by arsonists, who threw explosives in the area.

 

Vehicles and other valuables went up on flames after the explosion.

 

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, protesters reportedly invaded the council headquarters in Omoku, refusing the newly sworn in chairman to assume office.