Tension has gripped the Rumuepirikom community in Rivers State, the hometown of former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as heavy gunfire erupted early Saturday, disrupting local government elections in the area.
According to local sources, unidentified gunmen stormed the community, issuing warnings for residents to remain indoors and not participate in the elections. When electoral officers arrived at the ward in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, gunmen opened fire, scattering voters and causing chaos.
One individual reportedly sustained a bullet wound and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Recall that Niger Delta Connect had earlier reported that River State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) declared commencement of the local government elections despite withdrawal of the Nigerian Police Force from providing security for the election.
