In the early hours of Tuesday, a devastating explosion rocked the Eleme Local Government Area Secretariat in Rivers State, followed by an intense fire that consumed significant parts of the building. This incident has plunged the area into chaos and sparked fears of further violence, following a series of controversial events tied to the recent local government elections in the state.
Eyewitnesses report that the inferno started shortly after the newly elected chairman, Brian Gokpa, along with councillors and their supporters, arrived at the secretariat. The group was met with a horrifying scene – several buildings within the secretariat complex were engulfed in flames.
Although the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, local residents and officials suspect foul play. The fire has raised concerns over the escalating political tension in Rivers State, which has seen similar incidents in other local government areas in recent days.
“We arrived at the secretariat to begin work for the day when we noticed thick smoke billowing from the buildings,” said a local council official who requested anonymity. “It was clear something was terribly wrong, and moments later, there was an explosion.”
The Rivers State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, heightening anxiety among the local populace. Many fear that the violence could escalate across the state, given the volatile political climate that has emerged since the disputed elections.
Political Tensions Ignite Violence
The explosion at the Eleme Secretariat comes just one day after the winners of the highly controversial Rivers local government elections were sworn in by the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara. The elections, which were organized by the Action Peoples Party (APP), have been met with stiff opposition from rival political groups, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Shortly after the elections, clashes erupted across several local government areas, with protesters accusing the authorities of manipulating the results. In some areas, violence has spiraled out of control, with protesters setting government buildings on fire, engaging in gun battles, and causing widespread panic among residents.
In the nearby Ikwerre Local Government Area, two rival political groups clashed violently, leading to the burning down of the newly constructed council secretariat. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from disagreements over the conduct of the elections. One group insisted that no election had taken place, while the other maintained that the election was valid, with a legitimate chairman elected and sworn in.
“Gunshots were heard all over the place. People were running in every direction. We feared for our lives,” said a local resident, who witnessed the violent clash in Ikwerre. “It was terrifying. Both groups were armed, and it seemed like a full-blown war.”
Widespread Unrest Across Rivers State
Similar scenes of unrest have played out in other parts of Rivers State. In Emohua Local Government Area, supporters of the PDP reportedly stormed the council secretariat, refusing to recognize the newly elected chairman. These clashes occurred shortly after the Inspector-General of Police ordered law enforcement officers to withdraw from council secretariats, which had initially been sealed off to prevent violence.
The withdrawal of police protection has left many secretariats vulnerable to attacks by rival political factions, further heightening fears of widespread violence across the state. As the clashes continue to escalate, local residents have expressed concerns about their safety and the ability of the government to maintain law and order.
“People are scared. The police have pulled back, and we feel like we’re on our own now,” said a businessman from Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. “We are hearing about protests and explosions everywhere. It’s hard to feel safe when the situation is this tense.”
In Omoku, protesters stormed the council headquarters, preventing the newly sworn-in chairman from assuming office. The protesters, mostly supporters of the PDP, argued that the election results were rigged and vowed not to allow the new chairman to take up his post.
Rising Fear of Escalation
With tensions running high, residents fear that more violence could break out if the political crisis is not swiftly resolved. Several local government areas have already witnessed acts of arson, with buildings set ablaze and vehicles destroyed by angry mobs.
In Eleme, vehicles and other valuables were destroyed in the inferno, leaving behind a trail of destruction and chaos. Arsonists allegedly threw explosives into the secretariat, sparking the fire that consumed much of the building and sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
The state government has yet to issue a detailed statement on the crisis, though Governor Siminialayi Fubara had previously acknowledged the tense political climate following the elections. In a public address, he urged all parties to remain calm and promised that law enforcement agencies would restore peace across the state.
“I acted to salvage Rivers State from chaos,” Fubara said, referring to his role in swearing in the new chairmen. “We must respect the rule of law and allow due process to prevail. Violence is not the solution.”
However, his remarks have done little to calm the nerves of the aggrieved parties, who continue to call for justice and transparency in the electoral process.
Calls for Peace and Dialogue
As the situation remains fluid, civil society groups and community leaders are calling for immediate dialogue between the warring political factions to prevent further bloodshed. Many have expressed concerns that the ongoing violence could disrupt essential services and create more suffering for ordinary citizens.
The unrest in Rivers State highlights the deep divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape, where contested elections often serve as a flashpoint for violence. As local residents brace themselves for more potential clashes, the need for dialogue and reconciliation has never been more urgent.