A chaotic scene unfolded in Isiokpo, the headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, as police used teargas and gunshots to disperse workers on Monday. The incident occurred as employees gathered at the council secretariat following directives from the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to resume work.
Eyewitnesses reported that more than 100 policemen arrived in multiple patrol vans, firing teargas canisters and shooting sporadically, sending workers fleeing into nearby bushes. According to one source, who requested anonymity, “Two women fainted, and many others were injured in the stampede. Some people had to hide in the bushes to escape the chaos.”
The unrest prevented many from returning to work, with the Ikwerre LGA already under heavy security due to recent attacks on council offices by suspected political thugs after local government elections. This led to a prolonged closure of the council and two other affected councils.
Ikwerre LGA’s Chief of Staff, Richard Henry, condemned the police response, noting, “There was no need for the excessive force. The issue of the council attacks is already before the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry.” He confirmed that several workers sustained injuries and expressed concern that some might still be unaccounted for due to the commotion.
The police command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, clarified that the police were present to maintain order at the council office, which had been closed due to prior security concerns after arson attacks. She emphasized, “These were officers from the command deployed to ensure public safety, especially after the recent unrest.”
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