The IYC elections have a history of violence, with similar incidents of unrest and aggression having occurred in their previous polls.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Tragedy struck in the Abuloma Clan of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Rivers State, as about five people are feared dead following a violent attack by unidentified gunmen during an Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) election.
The incident occurred on Saturday when gunmen invaded the area, reportedly opening fire on the venue where the election was being held.
Eyewitnesses suggest that the attack was linked to a clash between two opposing factions within the IYC, believed to be triggered by disagreements over candidates.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that around five bodies were discovered at the scene after the gunmen fled.
The Rivers State Police Command has acknowledged the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that officers were swiftly deployed to the area to restore order.
In a statement, Iringe-Koko said, “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the senseless and sporadic shooting at the Abuloma area in Port-Harcourt City, where the Ijaw Youth Council Central Zone was conducting their elections. Tactical teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, but the perpetrators had fled before police arrived.”
The state Commissioner of Police has ordered an investigation to apprehend those responsible for the attack, assuring the public that normalcy has been restored. The police urged residents to continue with their daily activities and report any suspicious behavior to authorities.
As of now, the identities of the victims remain unconfirmed, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The IYC elections have a history of violence, with similar incidents of unrest and aggression having occurred in their previous polls.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara sometime in May this year, pledged unwavering support for the establishment of a befitting Secretariat for the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone within the state.
The Governor made the promise during a solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt by members of the Ijaw Youth Council.
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