In a chaotic incident, a baby was reportedly affected by tear gas and lost consciousness on Wednesday as followers of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara clashed with supporters of former governor Nyesom Wike in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The clash occurred during a government medical outreach in the Eliozu community, Obio/Akpor LGA.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the confrontation started when officials from the state Ministry of Health were conducting a medical outreach for women at the Eliozu Health Centre.
Shortly after the program began, supporters allegedly linked to the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, arrived at the venue, sparking tension.
The venue is located near the residence of Amaewhule, who leads the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike.
However, supporters of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke Ihunwo, who support Fubara, prevented them from entering, leading to a heated argument and eventual clash.
The altercation escalated as stones were thrown from different directions, abruptly disrupting the medical outreach.
Within minutes, a team of anti-riot police arrived, using tear gas to disperse the conflicting groups and restore order.
During the chaos, a child was exposed to tear gas and lost consciousness.
As a result, the medical outreach was relocated to a government-owned medical facility in the Waterlines area of Port Harcourt where the program continued.
Responding to the incident, Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman Chijioke Ihunwo accused Amaewhule of leading the police to disrupt the outreach.
Ihunwo claimed, “This morning, there was an incident at the Eliozu Health Centre where former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, led security personnel to disrupt a Ministry of Health program.”
“We want to affirm that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will not succumb to intimidation. We urge the authorities to intervene to ensure peace in Rivers State.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation was ongoing.
She mentioned, “A distress call was received from the health center in the Eliozu community where supporters of two political factions engaged in a violent altercation.”
“Police responded by dispatching officers to restore order, utilizing anti-riot measures, including canisters. An inquiry into the incident has been launched.”