There is heavy shooting ongoing in the Rumuepirikom Community, which is the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The area has descended into chaos as gunfire echoes through various parts of the community. Residents, gripped by fear, are reported to be fleeing to safety, though no official report has been issued by authorities to explain the motive behind the violence or the extent of damage, injuries, or potential fatalities.
A source from the area revealed that the tension began earlier when unidentified individuals entered the community and warned residents to stay indoors and refrain from voting in the ongoing LG polls. This has stirred suspicion of a politically motivated attack.
As electoral officers were approaching the ward in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the situation escalated when heavily armed bandits stormed the area. The gunmen, arriving amidst sporadic shooting, took control of the surroundings, leaving people too terrified to come out and cast their votes.
In the midst of the chaos, one person has reportedly been injured by gunfire and was immediately rushed to a nearby health facility for emergency medical attention.
Meanwhile, on a contrasting note, the Chairmanship Candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Emohua Local Government Area, David Omereji, declared that the elections in his area were conducted peacefully, despite the absence of police presence.
According to Omereji, the community ensured a peaceful election process without fear of violence or intimidation. He further stated that the elections could not be rigged as the residents were resolved to uphold the integrity of the polls.
This peaceful conduct follows the decision of the Rivers State Police to abstain from election duties, a decision made in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu.
After casting his vote at his unit in Ward 11, Egbeda Community, Emohua LGA, Omereji expressed his satisfaction with the smoothness of the voting process. He praised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for its coordination, stating, “The election was peaceful, free, and fair, with no interference from the police.”
Omereji concluded that this election demonstrated a new era for the state, one in which electoral rigging is no longer tolerated. He commended the people for ensuring peace and maintaining order, expressing confidence that the election results would genuinely reflect the will of the people.