Scores Injured as Police Disperse Local Government Workers in Rivers with Teargas

In Isiokpo, headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, chaos erupted on Monday as police officers forcefully dispersed local government workers with teargas and gunfire. The incident occurred as workers tried to resume duties, following a directive from the National Union of Local Government Employees.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as frightening, with multiple police patrol vans arriving in a “commando-style” operation. Officers reportedly shot into the air and used teargas canisters to scatter the workers, forcing many to flee in panic. Some workers, including two women, reportedly sustained injuries while trying to escape, with many seeking shelter in nearby bushes.

One eyewitness, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, said, “This morning, the National Union of Local Government Workers asked us to resume work at the Ikwerre Local Government. While we were there, we saw more than 100 policemen fully armed. And they started shooting and firing teargas everywhere. Workers, women—everyone started running. As I speak now, two women slumped, and the police are blocking access to medical care.”

The Chief of Staff of Ikwerre LGA, Richard Henry, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over potential casualties, as many workers had rushed into the bush. “They came to the premises and shot teargas everywhere, and people were running helter-skelter. Our mothers and youths who were there are injured. We don’t know if there were any deaths because so many people ran into the bush,” he said, adding that the police presence included a hot water tank and at least 11 patrol vans.

Henry condemned the police’s actions as unnecessary, pointing out that the situation was already under investigation by the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry. “This matter is before the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, and they came to teargas everybody, which is not fair. We will resist them,” he stated.

In response to the incident, the Rivers State Police Command acknowledged its involvement but claimed its actions were necessary to prevent further damage. According to state police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, the police were responding to reports of a large group attempting to force their way into the council building. “You know because of the local government that was burnt, a panel of inquiry was set up by the governor to look into the immediate and remote causes of the secretariats that were burnt, and the sitting is ongoing,” she explained.

Iringe-Koko clarified that the Ikwerre LG secretariat remained closed due to damage from earlier arson attacks, making security reinforcement necessary. “All the secretariats that were attacked are under lock and key, and this Ikwerre LGA is one with major damage. Now, some mobs, over 300, damaged the gate and forced themselves into the secretariat, either to loot or further destroy properties. That was the reason the police were called upon,” she said. She added that the police acted quickly to disperse the group and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Tensions have been high in Ikwerre Local Government Area since local government elections spurred violent attacks by suspected political thugs, resulting in extensive damage to council buildings. Following the election-related unrest, several council offices in the state have remained closed as the state’s Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigates the violence.