A violent clash between supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has left a baby unconscious after being tear-gassed
The incident occurred on Wednesday during a government medical outreach in the Eliozu community, where officials of the state Ministry of Health were providing medical services to women.
Eyewitnesses reported the drama started when supporters of Fubara and Wike’s factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, engaged in a heated argument, leading to a physical altercation and stone-pelting.
Police arrived at the scene, firing teargas to disperse the crowd, but a baby was caught in the chaos and became unconscious. The medical outreach was relocated to a state-owned facility at the Waterlines axis in Port Harcourt.
Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman Chijioke Ihunwo accused Amaewhule of leading policemen to disrupt the outreach and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
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Ihunwo stated, “There was an incident at the Eliozu Health Centre this morning, where the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule led some security men to disrupt a program by the Ministry of Health.
“A few minutes later, a few policemen showed up and started beating up our women, shooting tear gas at pregnant women who were at the Health Centre.
“We want to say that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will not be under siege. We want to call on the President that the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of the FCT are tarnishing the image of your government.
“We are calling on you to rein them in so that Rivers State can have respite. Let the FCT Minister concentrate on his job and leave our governor alone.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.
Iringe-Koko stated that the police responded to a distress call over the scenario, adding that the investigation was ongoing.
She said, “A distress call was received from the health center in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight.
“The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore order.
“The police deployed the use of canisters to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”
It bears mentioning that the state police command confirmed the incident and initiated an investigation.
