At least five people are feared dead following heavy gunfire that disrupted an election organized by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in Abuloma, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The violence, which erupted on Saturday, September 14, sent shockwaves through the community, with many residents fleeing in panic as the gunshots rang out for several hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that tensions flared after participants at the election suspected electoral fraud. The situation quickly escalated when armed gunmen stormed the venue, shooting indiscriminately at the crowd.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, condemned the violence, describing it as “senseless.” She confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, had dispatched tactical teams to the scene. However, by the time the police arrived, the perpetrators had fled.
“The police are aware of the shooting incident at the Ijaw Youth Council elections. Swift action was taken, but the attackers escaped before the arrival of the tactical teams,” said Iringe-Koko.
Rivers State has seen frequent electoral violence over the years, with political thugs often used to influence elections. Such incidents have long been a source of concern for local communities, with many calling for stricter measures to curb political violence in the state.
This tragic event is a reminder of the continuing challenges Nigeria faces in ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections.
