Israel Abosi, the newly elected Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, has officially assumed control of the council secretariat in Isiokpo. This takeover occurred less than a day after the secretariat fell victim to an arson attack on Monday.

On Tuesday morning, Abosi, flanked by his deputy and a group of newly elected councillors, arrived at the secretariat amidst a gathering of supporters, including members of local vigilante groups. These supporters displayed firearms and fired celebratory shots into the air while chanting solidarity songs, challenging their political rivals to confront them at the council premises.

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The incidents of arson also affected the Emohua Local Government Council secretariat, both occurring after police officers were withdrawn from securing the 23 council secretariats by Police Commissioner Kayode Egbetokun.

This development has sparked significant unrest, leading to accusations and counter-accusations among local factions. In response, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Police Force to bolster security at the 23 Local Government secretariats to restore order.