Bloody IYC Election: 12 Killed in Rivers State

Tragedy struck in Rivers State, Nigeria, yesterday, as 12 people lost their lives in a bloody Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) election. The violence erupted when heavily armed men stormed the election venue at Abuloma Model Primary School in Port Harcourt City, shooting sporadically and burning a bus.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. “We were voting when suddenly, armed men appeared and started shooting,” said one eyewitness. “People were running for their lives, but some were trapped. It was like a war zone.”

Armed Men’s Identity

According to eyewitnesses, the armed men were allegedly acting on the orders of a militant leader who had a vested interest in the outcome of the election. The identity of the militant leader has not been disclosed, but sources suggest that he is a well-known figure in the region.

Innocent Victims

Among the victims was a woman who was hit by a stray bullet. “She was just passing by when she was shot,” said another eyewitness. “It was so senseless. She had nothing to do with the election.”

Police Response

The Rivers State Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to apprehend the perpetrators. The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has assured citizens that normalcy has returned to the area and urged them to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Consequences of Electoral Violence

This senseless violence is a sobering reminder of the dangers of electoral violence and the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts. The IYC election was meant to be a democratic process, but it ended in bloodshed. The people of Rivers State deserve better.

Reactions from Stakeholders

“We condemn this senseless violence in the strongest terms,” said the Rivers State Governor. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

“The IYC election was meant to be a celebration of democracy, but it ended in tragedy,” said a spokesperson for the IYC. “We urge all parties to work towards peaceful resolution of conflicts.”

Investigation Ongoing

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the police have promised to release more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, the people of Rivers State are left to mourn the loss of innocent lives and wonder what could have been done to prevent this tragedy.