At least five people are feared dead following violent shootings that erupted at various local government area secretariats in Rivers State on Monday.
The police have yet to release an official statement regarding the unrest that has impacted multiple local government areas (LGAs) across the state.
Sources indicate that many of the casualties are youths allegedly loyal to the state governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara.
The ongoing gunfire at the council offices has created a climate of fear within surrounding communities.
By Monday afternoon, reports confirmed that approximately five individuals had been killed across four local government areas. Notably, the councils in Eleme, Emohua, and Ikwerre were set ablaze during the chaos.
The violence reportedly ignited when newly elected local government chairmen, sworn in by the governor on Sunday, arrived at their respective council secretariats.
They encountered a group of youths opposed to their election, who claimed they were present to clean the premises for the former council chairmen whose tenures had recently ended.
The confrontation escalated into shootings, leading to numerous injuries from gunfire and the reported deaths of five individuals: one in Khana, three in Oyibo, and one in Ahoada-East.
As authorities remain silent on the incidents, residents and local leaders are left on edge amid this troubling outbreak of violence. The situation highlights the urgent need for intervention to restore peace and security in the affected areas