Gunmen attack ‘political rally’ in Rivers, injure four

Gunmen opened fire on a gathering of youths in Rivers state. 

The incident occurred on Wednesday in Elele, Ikwerre LGA, where youths, reportedly loyal to Siminalayi Fubara, had converged on a roundabout in a show of support for the Rivers governor.

NAN quoted Nwokoro, a witness, as alleging that a senior local vigilante commander known as ‘Fucking Naira’, suddenly appeared and opened fire on the group.

Nwokoro alleged that the shooter, a factional leader of a prominent political party and supporter of a well-known politician, threatened more attacks on Fubara’s supporters while urging security agencies to act swiftly.

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

The incident comes on the heels of a 48-hour ultimatum issued to Fubara by the Martin Amaewhule-led state assembly to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill before its March 5 deadline.

POLICE REACT

In a statement, the Rivers police command said its operatives arrested a suspect during the “violent attack” in the Elele area of Ikwerre LGA in the state.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, said four people sustained injuries during the incident.

Iringe-Koko said the command acted on credible intelligence about the unlawful gathering of suspected hoodlums at the scene, which was swiftly brought under control.

“During an attempt to address the crowd, an unidentified assailant, hiding within the vicinity, opened fire resulting in multiple injuries,” the statement reads.

“As at press time, the number of those injured stood at four (4). The armed hoodlums fled the scene immediately, but one of them was apprehended, and a single-barrel gun was recovered from him.”

The police spokesperson said the injured victims were promptly taken to different hospitals in Elele for treatment.

Iringe-Koko said the arrested suspect and recovered firearm would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), adding that a manhunt is under way for the fleeing attackers.

The command assured residents of its commitment to their safety and implored them to remain calm while the police intensifies efforts to bring all culprits to justice.

Olugbenga Adepoju, Rivers police commissioner, asked residents to remain calm and share any useful information that could aid the investigation of the incident.