Five feared dead as IYC election in Rivers turns war

By Davies Iheamnachor, PORT HARCOURT

About five people have been feared dead at Abuloma Clan, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State as unidentified gunmen attacked a venue where Ijaw Youth Council was having its election.

It was gathered that on Saturday, bandits had invaded the area under heavy gunpowder and shot sporadically.

Sources, who did not want his name in the media, said it was a clash between two factions of the IYC, adding that the cause was based on the choice of candidates.

At press time, unconfirmed reports say about five corpses were found at the scene after the suspected thugs had left.

However, Police in the state said they are aware of the development, adding that the incident happened at the venue of the IYC election.

The Public Relations Officer of the state Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, noted that officers were quickly mobilised to the area to restore normalcy.

She said: “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the senseless and sporadic shooting at Abuloma area in the Port-Harcourt City Local Government of the State where the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone were conducting their elections.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police Rivers State has swiftly despatched Tactical Teams to the scene, but before the arrival of the Police, the perpetrators have run into hiding.

“The Commissioner of Police has given marching orders to track down the perpetrators and bring them to face the full wrath of the law.

“Meanwhile, the Command wishes to advise all law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful businesses and report any suspicious movement to the Police, as normalcy has returned to the area please.”

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