Crime

Attack on Journalists in Rivers: Equipment Destroyed Amid Election Chaos

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 6th, 2024.

Attack on Journalists in Rivers: Equipment Destroyed Amid Election Chaos

In a troubling incident during the Rivers State Local Government elections, hoodlums reportedly affiliated with Minister Nyesom Wike attacked reporters from 9News Nigeria, damaging their camera and other equipment.

The assault took place around 1:30 PM, targeting correspondent Emmanuel Atseyinku and his driver as they were covering the elections near the Igwuruta Divisional Police Station in the Ikwerre Local Government Area. Atseyinku recounted the harrowing experience, stating that they were forced to flee for their safety as the attackers destroyed their camera and stole some of their gear.

“We’re in a desperate situation. They attacked us, and our equipment is ruined,” he said during a phone call with 9News Nigeria South East Editor Wisdom Nwedene, before the call abruptly ended.

Attempts to reach the Rivers Police Command for a statement were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Tensions have escalated in Rivers State as supporters of Wike have taken to the streets to protest Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s decision to continue with the local government elections, which a Federal High Court had previously annulled. The protests, involving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demand that Governor Fubara adhere to the court’s ruling, raising concerns about the electoral process’s legitimacy.

In a parallel development, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered at their Port Harcourt secretariat, preparing to launch their own protests.

Notably, the police had announced their withdrawal from the electoral process on Friday, further complicating the situation.

Despite the unrest, voting has commenced in Unit 11, Ward 12, Ubimini, in the Emohua Local Government Area. Additionally, Amb Ihunwo Chijioke, the APP candidate for Obio/Akpor LGA, cast his vote at Unit 40, Rumunduru, Obio/Akpor LGA.