Chaos erupted in Isiokpo, headquarters of the Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, as police dispersed local government workers with teargas and gunfire on Monday. Police officers in numerous patrol vans reportedly stormed the council secretariat in a “commando style,” firing sporadically, causing workers to flee for safety.
The incident disrupted a directive by the National Union of Local Government Employees, which had instructed council staff to resume work at the secretariat. Ikwerre LGA had been heavily affected by recent attacks on council buildings, reportedly led by political thugs following local government elections. Since the attacks, the council building has been locked to prevent further incidents.
Eyewitnesses said several workers, including two women, were injured in the chaos, with many fleeing into nearby bushes. A witness, who requested anonymity, described the sudden police arrival, stating, “We saw more than 100 policemen fully armed. They started shooting and firing teargas everywhere; workers, women, everyone ran for cover. Two women slumped, and access to medical care was delayed.”
Richard Henry, Chief of Staff of Ikwerre LGA, confirmed the incident, adding that “people ran helter-skelter, and there may be casualties as many escaped into the bush.” He criticized the police response, especially given that the issue of council arson was under investigation by the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry. “It is unfair; we will resist them,” he said.
The Rivers State Police Command responded to the incident, acknowledging its deployment to the council premises. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko explained that the secretariat had been closed after an arson attack, with an ongoing judicial panel investigation into the violence.
According to Iringe-Koko, the police presence was necessary as a group of over 300 individuals reportedly forced entry into the secretariat. “Our officers were there to prevent any breakdown of law and order, and to restore peace by dispersing the crowd to protect the facility,” she explained.
