Pandemonium has been reported in Omuma local government area of Rivers state following exchange of gunfire between a vigilante group and operatives of the Nigerian police on Tuesday.
This incident occurred amidst escalating tension in the state following the expiration of the tenure of 23 elected LG chairmen and ward councillors.
The violence in Omuma LGA is part of a larger pattern of unrest that has swept through Rivers State.
There have been multiple reports of shootings, notably at the Port Harcourt City LGA Council Secretariat and in other LGAs, including Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme, and Khana, carried out by unidentified persons.
According to a source in Omuma who spoke with Vanguard, the conflict escalated when policemen attached to a local politician allegedly opened fire on vigilante members of OSPAC at the Omuma council secretariat.
This reportedly led to a deadly exchange where the vigilante group retaliated, resulting in casualties on both sides.
As of noon, local reports confirmed that two individuals had been gunned down following the shootings.
However, official confirmation from police authorities was still pending at press time.
A police source in Omuma acknowledged the shootings but details remained unclear as investigations continued.
On Monday, LG councils in Rivers were enveloped by anxiety as youths took over the secretariats, following the expiration of the tenure of chairmen, councillors and other council officials.
According to the protesters, the three-year tenure of the chairman had expired on June 17.
In a broadcast on Tuesday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed heads of local government administration to take charge of the 23 council areas of the state.
