At least two people were feared dead following a violent clash during the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Central Zone election in the Abuloma area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses reported that the violence erupted after some participants discovered alleged fraud in the electoral process. Reports indicated that certain interests within the state attempted to impose an unpopular candidate, which led to a gunfight.
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According to an eyewitness, gunmen stormed the election venue, firing sporadically and reportedly killing two people. Several others were said to have sustained bullet wounds in the ensuing chaos.
“Two people may have died in the Jetty axis of Abuloma during the IYC Central Zone election. The violence began when certain interests tried to impose an unpopular candidate. Gunmen invaded the venue and began shooting,” said an eyewitness who requested anonymity.
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The incident caused panic among residents, who fled the area to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
The Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that the police were aware of the “senseless and sporadic shooting” during the IYC election.
Koko added that Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu had dispatched tactical teams to the scene, but the attackers fled before the police arrived. She assured the public that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice.
She also urged residents to resume their normal activities, as the situation had been brought under control, and encouraged them to report any suspicious movements to the authorities.
