Tensions escalated in Isiokpo, the Ikwerre Local Government Area’s headquarters, as police forces reportedly used teargas and live ammunition to disperse local government workers on Monday.
Witnesses report that officers arrived in multiple patrol vans, executing a “commando-style” operation at the council secretariat, where workers were gathered following a resumption directive from the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
The dispersal follows recent directives by NULGE for council employees to resume work, but local unrest had already been on the rise after violent incidents following recent local government elections.
Suspected political thugs allegedly targeted multiple councils in the area, resulting in lockdowns by police at the Ikwerre council headquarters and two other councils to maintain order.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with scores of workers scrambling to escape the gunfire.
Among the injured were two women, and many workers reportedly sought refuge in nearby bushes.
An anonymous source, fearing for their safety, recounted, “This morning, the National Union of Local Government Workers instructed its members to report to work at the Ikwerre Local Government.
“While we were present, we noticed over 100 armed police officers. They began shooting and deploying tear gas, causing workers and women to run for safety.
“As I speak, two women have collapsed, and the police are restricting access to medical assistance.”
Richard Henry, Chief of Staff of Ikwerre LGA, confirmed the incident, indicating potential casualties as numerous workers fled into the surrounding bushes.
Henry stated, “They entered the premises and released tear gas, causing people to scatter. Our mothers and youths who were present sustained injuries. We’re uncertain about any fatalities since many ran into the bush. The police arrived with a water cannon and around 11 Hilux vans.”
Condemning the police’s actions, he described the assault as unnecessary, noting that the matter regarding the burning of the councils is currently before the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
“All of them were armed. This issue is under investigation by the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, yet they used tear gas against everyone, which is unfair. We will resist this,” he asserted.
In response, the police acknowledged their presence at the Ikwerre council secretariat.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the state police command, explained that the secretariat was closed due to extensive damage from arson.
She stated, “These are not just any men in police uniforms; they are officers from the command deployed to maintain law and order.
“Due to the recent burning of local government facilities, the governor established a panel of inquiry to investigate the causes of the attacks, which is still ongoing. All affected secretariats are currently secured, and the Ikwerre LGA sustained significant damage.
“Recently, a mob of over 300 breached the gate and forced their way into the secretariat, likely intending to loot or further vandalise property. That prompted the police to intervene.
“Our officers quickly mobilised to ensure public order and prevent further destruction of facilities.”
