Tensions have escalated in Rivers State following reports of violence resulting in the deaths of a policeman and a member of the Omuma Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) in Omuma Local Government Area.
The unrest comes amid widespread protests across all 23 local government areas of the state following the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected local government chairmen and ward councillors.
Reports indicate that gunfire erupted at several locations including the Port Harcourt City LGA Council Secretariat, Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme, and Khana LGAs, allegedly involving unidentified assailants.
In Omuma LGA, the situation turned deadly as two individuals were reportedly gunned down during clashes at the council secretariat.
According to a local source, the violence began when police personnel associated with a local politician allegedly fired shots at OSPAC members involved in a confrontation. In retaliation, the deceased OSPAC member’s associates reportedly retaliated against the security personnel.
As of now, the police authorities in Rivers State have not officially confirmed these casualties, although a police source in Omuma acknowledged that two people were indeed shot.
The situation remains fluid and fraught with tension as authorities work to contain the escalating violence across the state.