At least two people were reported dead during the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) election held in the Abuloma area of Port Harcourt City Local Government, Rivers State, on Saturday.
According to eyewitness reports, armed supporters of rival candidates stormed the election venue, disrupting proceedings with hours of sporadic gunfire. Several youths were injured as chaos ensued, with many fleeing for safety.
A local resident, Goodluck, recounted how his neighbor was struck by a stray bullet and died after bleeding out, with no one able to offer assistance.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, acknowledged the “senseless and sporadic shooting” but did not mention any casualties. She noted that Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu dispatched tactical teams to the scene, though the perpetrators had fled by the time police arrived.
The police are actively pursuing the assailants, and normalcy has since returned to the area. Authorities urged residents to report any suspicious activities and assured them that the situation is under control.
