The newly built council secretariat in Isiokpo, located in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was set ablaze on Monday.
A resident confirmed the incident to Channels Television, with videos circulating on social media showing the administrative building engulfed in flames. Police authorities have not yet commented on the matter, and the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
This arson follows the withdrawal of police officers who were securing the 23 local government council secretariats across the state. It also comes just days after the conclusion of the Rivers State local government elections.
Similarly, some sections of the Eleme council secretariat were set on fire earlier. Former Ambassador Oji Ngofa, a native of Eleme, told Channels Television that the newly elected council chairman, Brain Gokpa, along with his councilors and supporters, arrived at the secretariat only to find portions of the buildings burned.
Despite this setback, Gokpa, his councilors, and supporters have vowed to take control of the secretariat, regardless of the circumstances.
In Emohua council, another incident unfolded as unidentified individuals barricaded the entrance to the secretariat, preventing the new chairman, David Omereju, from resuming his duties. In a social media video, the protesters were heard chanting, “No Wike, No Rivers State!!”
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the police have not released an official statement on the rising tensions.
The arson and barricades add to the growing list of challenges that have arisen since Governor Siminalayi Fubara swore in the new council chairmen on Sunday. Saturday’s elections were marked by explosions, protests, and gunfire, with analysts warning of escalating tensions in the oil-rich state if not properly addressed.
