The newly elected Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, Israel Abosi, has taken charge of the council secretariat in Isiokpo, less than 24 hours after it was set on fire by suspected arsonists.
On Tuesday morning, Abosi, accompanied by his deputy, newly elected councillors, and a large group of supporters, arrived at the premises amidst heightened tensions in the area.
Supporters, including members of local vigilante groups, were seen wielding firearms and firing shots into the air while chanting solidarity songs, challenging political opponents to confront them at the secretariat.
The arson attack on the Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Council secretariats occurred on Monday, following the withdrawal of police officers who had been stationed at the 23 local council secretariats across Rivers State.
The withdrawal, ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, left the secretariats vulnerable to attacks.
The situation has since spiralled into a blame game, with political actors pointing fingers at one another.
In response to the unrest, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Police Force to restore security at all 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State, ensuring that further incidents are prevented.
As tensions remain high in the aftermath of the attacks, Abosi’s show of defiance has drawn support, with many calling for calm and a return to order in the troubled region.