LG Workers Locked Out as Police Take Over Secretariat

Police Attack LG Council Workers

“While we were there, we saw over 100 heavily armed policemen. They...”

Rivers State Political Crisis: Ikwerre Council Secretariat Fire Sparks Concerns

Chaos erupted in Isiokpo, Rivers State, on November 4, as police fired gunshots and teargas to disperse council workers, preventing them from resuming duties as directed by the National Union of Local Government Employees. The incident is linked to the ongoing feud between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The police descended on the Ikwerre Local Government Area secretariat in multiple patrol vans, firing shots indiscriminately and causing workers to flee in panic. This area was already vulnerable, having been the hardest hit during recent attacks on councils by suspected political thugs following local government elections.

The tension in Rivers State has been escalating, with reports of violence and destruction of property. Just last month, Eleme and Ikwerre council secretariats were set ablaze, and there have been exchanges of gunfire between police and assailants.

Violence has erupted at the Ikwerre Local Government council headquarters, resulting in injuries and chaos. The council, along with two others, has been closed to prevent further violence after the police-led reopening sparked clashes. Multiple workers, including two women, were injured while fleeing the shooting, with many seeking refuge in nearby bushes.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, shared that the National Union of Local Government Workers instructed their members to report for duty at the Ikwerre Local Government that morning, stating, “This morning (Tuesday) the National Union of Local Government Workers instructed their members to report for duty at the Ikwerre Local Government.” This directive likely contributed to the heightened tensions and subsequent violence.

Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated event, as Nigeria has witnessed similar cases of police brutality and violence against protesters in the past, including the #EndSARS movement. The use of excessive force by security forces has led to widespread human rights violations, with little accountability or justice for victims.

Incidents of Police Brutality in Nigeria:

Lekki Toll Gate Incident: Nigerian security forces used excessive force against peaceful protesters, resulting in deaths and injuries.

#EndSARS Protests: Police responded with violence, leading to widespread human rights violations.

It's crucial for authorities to address these issues, ensure accountability, and protect citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

“While we were there, we saw over 100 heavily armed policemen. They began shooting and releasing teargas, causing workers, women, and everyone to flee in panic.

“As I speak, two women have collapsed, and the police are now preventing access to medical assistance.”

Richard Henry, Chief of Staff of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), has confirmed a recent incident that resulted in potential casualties. During the chaos, many workers fled into nearby bushes to escape the danger. This unfortunate event is part of a larger pattern of violence and instability in the region.

The Ikwerre LGA has been at the center of tensions, with previous attacks on councils in the state by suspected political thugs following local government elections. The area's vulnerability has been exacerbated by the ongoing feud between former governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. 

This incident highlights concerns about the Nigerian Police Force's conduct and potential human rights violations. There have been reports of corruption, extortion, and excessive use of force by police officers in the past  

Incident Details:

Location: Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria

Incident: Potential casualties, workers fled into bushes to escape

Context: Ongoing feud between former governor Nyesom Wike and successor Siminalayi Fubara

Previous Incidents: Attacks on councils in the state by suspected political thugs following local government elections

"They arrived at the premises, fired teargas everywhere, and chaos ensued as people ran in all directions.

”Our mothers and youths who were present are injured. We're unsure if there were any fatalities since many people fled into the bushes. The police arrived with a water tank and around 11 Hilux vans.”

The police's actions were strongly condemned, with the attack being described as unprovoked and unnecessary, especially since the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry was already investigating the burning of the councils. This commission, similar to South Africa's State Capture Commission of Inquiry, is tasked with examining allegations of corruption, fraud, and other serious issues. In this case, the commission's investigation into the council burnings was already underway, making the police's actions seem excessive and unjustified. The condemnation highlights the need for accountability and restraint in law enforcement's response to sensitive situations.

“They were all armed. Furthermore, this matter is being looked into by the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, yet they came and teargassed everyone, which is unfair. We will stand against this,” he said

The police have taken responsibility for their presence at the Ikwerre Council Secretariat, according to Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command. The secretariat was shut down following a devastating arson attack that left it as one of the worst-hit locations. This incident is part of a larger wave of violence and unrest that has gripped Rivers State since the local government elections.

In fact, tensions have been running high since the election results were announced, with multiple reports of violence, gunshots, and arson targeting local government secretariats. The Ikwerre Local Government Secretariat was set ablaze, and there have been reports of gunshots in the Oyigbo Local Government Area, leaving residents fearful of further escalation.

The police spokesperson clarified that the officers were present at the secretariat, not just men in police uniform, implying that the police were taking a deliberate stance to maintain order.

She explained, “These are not individuals dressed in police uniforms. They are officers from the command who were deployed to the area to enforce law and order.

“Due to the destruction of the local government office, the governor established a panel of inquiry to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the fires at the secretariats, and the hearings are currently underway.

“All the secretariats that were targeted have been sealed off, with Ikwerre LGA being one of the most severely damaged

“A mob of more than 300 people breached the gate and entered the secretariat, either to loot or cause further damage. This prompted the police to be called in.

“In response, our officers quickly mobilized and arrived at the scene to prevent any further breakdown of law and order. They worked to restore peace by dispersing the mob and ensuring no additional facilities were damaged.”