A section of the Eleme Local Government Area secretariat in Rivers State has been set on fire, just hours after the conclusion of the local government elections on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The newly elected chairman, Brain Gokpa, arrived at the scene along with his councillors and supporters when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers specifically targeted certain buildings within the secretariat complex, leaving a trail of destruction.
However, it remains unclear what motivated the arson attack or the identities of those responsible.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but the attack has sparked concerns over possible post-election violence in the region. The local government election in Rivers State was fiercely contested, with tensions simmering even before the polls.
Brain Gokpa, who was declared the winner of the election, had only just begun his tenure when the attack unfolded. His supporters, present during the assault, were reportedly unharmed, though some have expressed concern about escalating violence.
Local sources suggest the possibility that the attack could be linked to political rivalries, though no group has claimed responsibility.
In the aftermath, calls have emerged for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, with some urging the recall of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent figure from Rivers State. Wike has been accused by his critics of abusing his power and stoking political tensions in the state. However, no formal statement has been issued from his office regarding these allegations.
The security situation in Rivers State remains tense as authorities work to investigate the arson and restore calm.
