A protest in Rivers State turned deadly on Tuesday when an explosion killed a middle-aged protester in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The incident occurred at 9:45 a.m. in front of Hotel Presidential, as the protester attempted to discharge dynamite. Eyewitnesses reported that the victim’s body was quickly removed from the scene as security forces rushed to the area.
The protest, which began at the Rumueme Civic Centre, was organized by political leaders from various wards in Obio/Akpor, in support of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The demonstrators are urging the Inspector General of Police to maintain a strong presence in the councils and resist intimidation.
The protests come in response to the removal of Wike’s loyalists from local councils by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who replaced them despite the secretariats remaining locked.
The explosion and subsequent death have escalated tensions in the already volatile situation, with security forces working to maintain control and restore order in the state.
