Hoodlums in Rivers State have set fire to no fewer than two local government secretariats in Rivers State, EQ has gathered.

This comes hours after Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), ordered the withdrawal of police personnel from all 23 LGAs in the state.

After they withdrew, thugs struck Eleme and Ikwerre LGAs and set them on fire.

They also used explosives in Emohua LGA after David Omereji, the newly sworn-in chairman, swore in his deputy and councillors.

The police claimed it decided to seal the secretariats in July following political unrest ahead of Saturday’s local government elections.

On Monday, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the police in the state, issued a statement confirming the IGP’s decision to unseal the LGAs and withdraw personnel.

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The statement read, “In light of recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, conveys the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously stationed to secure the Local Government Secretariats. This decision reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s stance on neutrality and its dedication to ensuring the uninterrupted operation of democratic institutions.”

On Monday afternoon, EQ called Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer. He told EQ he was not aware of the incidents, but would communicate with Mustapha and return with new information.
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