A police officer and a member of the Omuma Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) are feared dead following violent clashes in Omuma Local Government Area.
This incident comes amidst escalating tensions and widespread protests across Rivers State’s 23 LGAs after the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected local government chairmen and ward councillors.
Eyewitnesses reported that shootings erupted at the Omuma council secretariat around noon, leading to the fatalities.
A source in the area disclosed that policemen attached to a local politician initially opened fire on vigilante members from one of the clashing groups. In retaliation, the security personnel were attacked by the vigilantes.
Although police authorities in Rivers State have not officially confirmed the incident, a police source in Omuma stated that two individuals were indeed shot.
The violence in Omuma is part of a broader wave of unrest triggered by the end of the elected officials’ tenure. Reports of shootings have also emerged from Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme, and Khana LGAs.
At the Port Harcourt City LGA Council Secretariat, alleged security personnel have been reported to open fire, further intensifying the situation. Similar incidents were observed in other LGAs, though the identities of the shooters remain unknown.
The protests and violence are a response to the constitutional mandate that the three-year terms of LGA chairmen and councillors concluded on June 17.
Despite this, some LGA officials have refused to vacate their positions, citing an amendment to the Local Government Administration Law by the Martin Amaewhule-led State Assembly, which purportedly extended their tenure by six months.
However, this amendment was voided by a State High Court in Port Harcourt.
Governor Siminialayi Fubara addressed the state in a broadcast, officially bidding farewell to the outgoing chairmen and councillors, emphasizing that their legal tenure had ended.
As the situation develops, the Rivers State government is urging calm and has called for cooperation with security agencies to restore peace.
