Several local government secretariats in Rivers State have been set ablaze, following the recent swearing-in of new chairmen by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The newly constructed council secretariat at Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area was among the buildings targeted. A resident confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Monday, with videos circulating online showing the building engulfed in flames.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement, and the extent of the damage remains unclear. The fires come after the Rivers State Police Commissioner withdrew officers securing all 23 council secretariats in the state.

In Emohua Local Government Area, the council secretariat was also set on fire. Protesters blocked the entrance, chanting in support of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and opposing the new chairman, David Omereji, from taking office.

Meanwhile, in Eleme Local Government Area, sections of the council secretariat were also reported to have been burned. According to former ambassador Oji Ngofa, the newly elected chairman, Brian Gokpa, arrived at the secretariat with councilors and supporters only to discover parts of the building had been set ablaze. Gokpa has accused his predecessor of orchestrating the attack and reported the matter to the police.

In Emohua, unknown individuals have barricaded the secretariat, preventing the new chairman, David Omereji, from resuming office. In a viral social media video, the protesters were heard chanting, “No Wike, No Rivers State!”

No arrests have been made so far, and the police have not yet commented on the incidents. There is growing concern about potential violence in the affected councils. These developments add to the growing list of tensions following the local government elections, which were marred by protests, explosions, and gunfire.