Rivers crisis: Gunmen open fire on youths gathering, 4 injured

Gunmen on Wednesday opened fire on a peaceful gathering of youths believed to be supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

The youths had reportedly assembled at a roundabout in Elele to express solidarity with Fubara when the attack occurred, further escalating political tensions in the state.

The incident followed a 48-hour ultimatum issued to Fubara by the Martin Amaewhule-led state House of Assembly to represent the 2025 Appropriation Bill, which expires on March 5.

An eyewitness, Nwokoro, told journalists the attack was carried out by a senior local vigilante commander in the area.

He said commander, popularly known as “Fucking Naira,: appeared suddenly and opened fire on the youths.

“He shot about 14 people, all of whom sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were taken to Madonna University Hospital in Elele for treatment,” Nwokoro alleged.

READ ALSO: Rivers govt to conduct fresh local council elections August 9

He added that the attacker is a factional leader of a prominent political party and a staunch supporter of a well-known politician in the state.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.

She, however, said only four persons sustained gunshot wounds in the attack.

She said the attack took place after a patrol team from Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), arrived at Elele Roundabout to address the unlawful assembly.

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