Tensions Escalate in Rivers State as Wike Allegedly Deploys Security Forces to Clash with Ijaw Youths and Fubara Supporters

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Tensions erupted in Rivers State over the weekend, as security forces, allegedly deployed by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, reportedly fired shots and used tear gas on Ijaw youths and supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. At least three people were injured in the chaos.

The unrest followed a standoff over the use of a venue for an event organized by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). A video of the incident captured the IYC Secretary General decrying the alleged use of military force against the group. He claimed that the security forces were sent to stop the Ijaw youths from using their chosen venue while allowing another event linked to Wike’s allies to proceed.

According to the IYC Secretary General, “They have started tear-gassing us again. Wike sent the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian police to kill us in our own land,” he said. The IYC had planned their event at the venue, but security forces allegedly blocked their access while letting another event take place.

The situation escalated when the group was reportedly prevented from displaying their signposts in support of Governor Fubara while Wike’s banners were allowed to remain. “We came to install the governor’s signposts, but the soldiers refused us. They changed it with Wike’s own,” the IYC Secretary General added.

Former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo condemned Wike’s actions, accusing him of using security forces to intimidate unarmed civilians. He criticized Wike’s treatment of the women and youth involved in the protest, calling it an abuse of power.

The incident comes amidst growing political tensions between Wike and Fubara, his former ally-turned-political rival. At the time of reporting, neither Wike nor the Nigerian government had issued an official response to the allegations.