Violence broke out in Elele town, situated in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, on the morning of March 7th, following a fierce clash between two groups of political supporters. The groups were reportedly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to witnesses, the altercation began at approximately 7am at the Elele roundabout, a busy area of the town. One group, led by Odinaka Wokoro, a local councilor whose election was recently nullified by the Supreme Court, was seen chanting songs in support of Governor Fubara. They were met by a second group led by Iheanyi Wossa, a prominent local security commander.
The clash quickly escalated into violence, with reports indicating that the two groups exchanged gunfire and other forms of aggression. It was soon discovered that the incident might be linked to an ongoing dispute over control of revenue collection in the area, a contentious issue that has deeply divided local communities and political factions.
The dispute over who controls the revenue collection in Elele is believed to have played a central role in the violent clash. Both groups, loyal to different political figures, were reportedly vying for influence over the local economy, which includes significant revenue from taxes, tolls, and other fees.
Local sources suggest that this competition has heightened political tensions in the area, with each side determined to assert control over the resources generated within the community. This conflict over economic control is not a new issue in Elele, as similar clashes have been witnessed in the past, especially during election seasons when political loyalties become even more pronounced.
The rivalry between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, both key figures in Rivers State politics, has further fuelled these tensions. Fubara, a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), took office as the governor of Rivers State following the 2023 elections. Wike, a former governor of the state, has maintained significant political influence, and many of his supporters remain loyal to his cause.
In this case, the dispute appears to have intensified over political control of the Ikwerre Local Government Area, where Elele is situated. Both groups, seeking to maintain or gain power, clashed as they demonstrated their loyalty to their respective leaders.
The violence left three individuals severely injured, all of whom were rushed to Madonna University Teaching Hospital in Elele for treatment.
The clash in Elele has sparked widespread concern about the increasing levels of political violence in Rivers State and other parts of Nigeria. While political rivalry is common in the country, incidents like this raise alarms about the safety of ordinary citizens who often find themselves caught in the crossfire of political struggles.