One killed, monarch’s palace burnt as youth leadership crisis erupts in Rivers community

By Davies Iheamnachor, Port Harcourt

Tension has gripped Rumuji Community successful Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State pursuing a convulsive younker enactment quality that led to the decease of 1 idiosyncratic and the burning of the assemblage monarch’s palace.

The situation reportedly broke retired during a gathering convened by a institution operating successful the country to sermon the planned activation of a mini-power generating works built for the community.

Eyewitnesses said occupation began erstwhile the Emohua LGA Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, allegedly introduced a caller younker president, contrary to the 1 presently serving, Anele Ogbu. The announcement sparked a heated statement among the youths, resulting successful the stabbing of Mr. Paul Oduveh, a protagonist of Ogbu.

Oduveh was reportedly rushed to the infirmary but died connected the way. In retaliation, aggravated youths allegedly acceptable occurrence to the palace of the community’s accepted ruler, Eze Christian.

The incidental has since heightened tension, with reports of clashes betwixt rival younker groups.

Reacting, Ogbu accused masked men, allegedly backed by immoderate assemblage members and section vigilantes, of attacking him and destroying his property. He appealed to information agencies and authorities authorities to intervene urgently to forestall further nonaccomplishment of lives.

“If thing is done, much youths whitethorn suffer their lives,” Ogbu warned, expressing interest implicit alleged governmental interference successful younker enactment matters.

As of property time, State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, was yet to remark connected the incident.