Five feared dead as violent clashes erupt in Rivers

Reports suggest that on Monday, approximately five individuals had been killed across four local government areas, while three councils — Eleme, Emohua, and Ikwerre — were set ablaze.

Sources indicate that many of the casualties are youths allegedly loyal to the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara.

The violence reportedly broke out when the newly-elected local government chairmen, sworn in by the governor on Sunday, arrived at their respective council secretariats.

They encountered a group of youths opposed to their election, who claimed they were there to clean the premises for the former council chairmen, whose tenures had recently ended.

The situation escalated into shootings, resulting in numerous injuries from gunfire and the reported deaths of five individuals: one in Khana, three in Oyibo, and one in Ahoada-East.

Authorities are yet to respond to the incidents, leaving residents and local leaders on edge amid the violence.