At least two people are feared dead following violence that erupted during the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Central Zone election held in the Abuloma area of Port Harcourt on Saturday, September 14. The election, intended to select leadership for the influential youth body, descended into chaos amid allegations of electoral fraud.
According to eyewitness accounts, the unrest began when participants in the election accused certain groups of attempting to impose an unpopular candidate.
An anonymous eyewitness described the situation, saying, “Trouble started when some vested interest wanted to foist an unpopular candidate against the wishes of others. Gunmen invaded the venue of the election and started shooting.”
Gunfire reportedly broke out, causing widespread panic as residents and voters ran for safety.
“About two persons may have died in the Jetty axis of Abuloma during the IYC Central Zone election,” the eyewitness added.
Gunmen Open Fire at Election Venue
As tensions mounted over the contested election, gunmen stormed the venue, firing sporadically. The shooting resulted in the deaths of at least two people, though official confirmation of the fatalities has not yet been made. The sound of gunfire sent shockwaves through the surrounding community, causing a stampede as people fled the area in fear of being caught in the crossfire.
Residents reported chaos throughout the Abuloma area as the gunmen carried out their attack. Many locals were forced to abandon their homes or places of business to avoid being injured in the violence.
Police Respond to Violence
The Rivers State Police Command responded to the incident, confirming that it was aware of the violent disruption at the IYC election.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police, SP Grace Koko, described the event as “senseless and sporadic shooting at Abuloma area over the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone election.”
SP Koko further explained that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, had dispatched tactical teams to the scene as soon as the violence was reported. However, by the time police arrived at the venue, the gunmen had already fled.
“The perpetrators had fled before the arrival of the police,” she stated.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, with CP Disu ordering that those responsible for the attack be tracked down and brought to justice. SP Koko also urged residents to remain calm and resume their normal activities, assuring them that the area had returned to normalcy. She encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately to prevent further violence.
Residents Left in Fear
The violence has left many residents of Abuloma shaken. Some fear that further clashes may occur as political tensions within the Ijaw Youth Council escalate. Although the police have reassured the public that the situation is under control, the shooting has created uncertainty and fear in the community.
“I am scared for my family. We don’t know what will happen next, and we just want peace. I hope the police will arrest those responsible for this violence,” one resident remarked.
The Ijaw Youths Council is a prominent group that represents the interests of Ijaw youth, and its leadership elections are usually keenly contested. However, the outbreak of violence during this particular election underscores the deep divisions within the council. The Rivers State police are expected to provide more updates on the investigation as they continue their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.