Following the disruption of the governorship campaign of the All Progressive Congress in Okirika, Rivers State on Tuesday, hoodlums have taken over the town. The gangs are reported to be armed with various dangerous weapons.
As at the time of filing this report, a member of the Channels TV crew is receiving treatment in a hospital from injuries inflicted on him through stabbing.
The rally which began at about mid-day and transmitted live on some key television networks saw thousands of party supporters including the Governorship candidate, Dagogo Peterside fleeing the ground when the gun shots rented the air.
A source which was at the campaign told HOMELAND NEWS that the initial shots that was heard was not taken seriously until the sound of an explosion was heard from behind the school building.
Dignitaries who sat under the shed and those who were on the platform scampered to safety as security operatives attached to some Rivers State government functionaries that attended the rally took charge to safeguard their principals.
The source said that minutes after the shooting, party members who fled began to return to the ground again. The attempt to continue with the rally may have provoked the attackers who now came out in the open and began to cause mayhem in the town.
It will be recalled that APC had on not less than two occasions, postponed the rally due to security concerns. The Rivers State police command at those times declined cover for the APC campaign in Okirika saying the it cannot guarantee security.
This incident is an expression of the power play in the state. Wife of President Jonathan, Patience who hails from the Okirika had told the people of the area to reject the State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his party the APC. The governor on his part, has continued to express that his party is the dominant party in Rivers.
