Violence Mars Rivers LGA Election as One Person Killed in Etche: Here is What You Need to Know

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Tragedy struck in Etche Local Government Area during the Rivers State Local Government Area elections as one person was confirmed dead. The victim, a member of the local vigilante group, ESPAC, was allegedly killed in Ward 5.

Background

The Rivers State election has been marred by controversy, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) boycotting the polls due to a court ruling prohibiting police security and INEC from releasing voter registers to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Tension and Security Concerns

Governor Sim Fubara and the police had earlier clashed over election materials, leading to heightened tension. The election itself has been inconsistent, with voting taking place in some areas while others remained inactive.

Incident Details

Eyewitnesses reported that the victim was shot during a confrontation between rival groups. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear.

Election Results

Despite the violence, the Action People’s Party (APP) has won 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions in the Rivers State local government election. However, the result for Etche Local Government Area is yet to be declared due to ongoing collation.

Reactions

Governor Sim Fubara condemned the violence, urging calm and calling for an investigation into the incident.

“We will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation,” Fubara said. “The people of Rivers State deserve peaceful and credible elections.”