Violence erupted in Igwuruta Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, as alleged loyalists of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, enforced a High Court judgment order.
The youths, over 100 in number, claimed they were enforcing the court order that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from releasing the 2023 voters register.
However, their actions turned violent as they chased residents back to their houses, insisting the polls wouldn’t hold.
According to Obinna Ekem, leader of the group and a Peoples Democratic Party leader, “We came out as members of the People’s Democratic Party, who said that we are not participating in the election and we will not allow illegality to be perpetrated in our ward, Ward 12 Igwuruta, Ikwerre LGA.”
Ekem explained that their goal was to ensure compliance with the Federal High Court judgment restraining local government elections.
He stated, “We were in our various chapters to ensure that we complied with the judgement of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Lifu on the 30th of September.”
However, their efforts were met with resistance. Ekem alleged, “As we were there, Barr. Emeregwa and one other Amadi and Azunda led their police orderlies and some thugs to attack us. They shot several persons. Most of them are receiving treatment in hospitals.”
Ekem further stated, “We ensured that in our various units, we sensitised people that the exercise is in futility and they don’t need to waste their time on what will not yield. We were addressing our people when they came to shoot at us.”
The situation was eventually brought under control by the Divisional Police Officer of the Igwuruta Police Division, who mobilized men to restore calm. However, the election did not take place in Igwuruta or neighboring Omuagwa community.
