Rivers Political Crisis: Gunmen Attack Gov. Fubara’s Supporters in Elele

Gunmen on Wednesday opened fire on a peaceful gathering of youths believed to be supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area, escalating the state’s ongoing political tensions....CONTINUE READING>>>

The youths had gathered at a roundabout in Elele to express solidarity with Fubara when the assailants struck.

This attack comes just days before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led state Assembly, demanding that Fubara re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill by March 5.

Eyewitness Account

An eyewitness, identified as Nwokoro, alleged that the attack was led by a senior local vigilante commander known as Fucking Naira.

“He shot about 14 people, all of whom sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were taken to Madonna University Hospital in Elele for treatment,” Nwokoro recounted.

He further alleged that the shooter is a factional leader of a prominent political party and a loyalist of a well-known politician in the state.

According to Nwokoro, the vigilante commander also threatened to continue targeting supporters of Gov. Fubara, prompting calls for security agencies to take immediate action.

Police Confirmation

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident but stated that only four individuals sustained gunshot wounds.

She explained that the attack occurred shortly after a patrol team from Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), arrived at the scene to disperse what they termed an “unlawful assembly.”

“While officers were attempting to address the crowd, an unidentified assailant hiding nearby opened fire, resulting in multiple injuries. As of this report, only four individuals have been confirmed injured,” Iringe-Koko stated.

Manhunt for Perpetrators

Following the attack, the police arrested one of the assailants and recovered a single-barrel gun.

“The injured victims were immediately taken to various hospitals in Elele for urgent medical attention. A manhunt is currently underway for the perpetrators who escaped,” she said.

Iringe-Koko also disclosed that some of the attackers were identified as members of the Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), a local vigilante group.

The arrested suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation.

The police assured the public that all those responsible for the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.