The ongoing local government elections in Rivers State took a violent turn on Saturday, as heavy gunfire erupted in Rumuepirikom, the hometown of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
According to reports from Vanguard, unidentified individuals entered the community before the elections, warning residents to stay indoors.
Tensions escalated when armed men, suspected to be political thugs, stormed a ward in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area just as electoral officers were about to arrive.
The gunmen reportedly held the community hostage, firing shots that caused widespread panic and discouraged people from coming out to vote.
At least one person sustained a gunshot wound during the incident and has been rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.
As of the time of reporting, the situation remains tense, with security agencies expected to intervene to restore order and ensure the continuation of the election process.
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