One person is feared dead after a violent incident in Bori, Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State on Monday, following ongoing protests across multiple LGs. Demonstrators, angered by the police order to unseal secretariats that have been closed since July, have taken to the streets, leading to violent clashes and property damage.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots near Bori, sparking panic as people fled in various directions. A source, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “A young man was shot, and people started running. He was rushed to the hospital this morning.”

The protests, which began in Bori, quickly spread to other LGs, with youths taking over council headquarters in Emuoha and Ikwerre. In Ikwerre LGA, protesters set a section of the council secretariat on fire, preventing workers and the newly sworn-in chairman from entering the building to inaugurate the councillors.

Police later intervened to quell the unrest, managing to put out the fire, but not before part of the council headquarters was damaged. Meanwhile, in Emuoha LGA, protesters also blocked access to the council secretariat, refusing to allow the newly elected chairman, David Omereji, to assume office. They argued that the Action Peoples Party candidate lacked popular support and insisted that the previous chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, continue his tenure as extended by the state House of Assembly.

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Tensions further escalated in Eleme LGA, where earlier in the day, protesters set fire to the secretariat, destroying several buildings and vehicles, including a police car.

Local authorities have yet to provide a full account of the situation. When reached for comment, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that she was in a meeting and promised to respond later.

As the unrest continues to spread, local leaders are calling for calm. PDP Emohua Council Chairman, Morrison Jim, reaffirmed his party’s commitment to upholding democracy, stating, “We respect the legal process and have chosen to abide by the court’s decision. Our focus remains on serving the people and promoting the well-being of Emolga.”

With protests spreading and tensions rising, residents of Rivers State are left uncertain about the future as the region grapples with political instability.