A baby was reportedly tear-gassed and became unconscious during a clash between supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and ex-governor Nyesom Wike’s loyalists in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during a government medical outreach in the Eliozu community, where supporters of the two political factions disagreed, leading to a heated argument and subsequent clash.
Anti-riot policemen arrived at the scene, firing teargas to disperse the groups, and a child was accidentally tear-gassed, becoming unconscious.
The medical outreach was relocated to a state-owned facility, and the Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, accused ex-Speaker Martin Amaewhule of leading policemen to disrupt the outreach.
The state police command confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is ongoing, according to the PUNCH.
Ihunwo stated, “This morning there was an incident at the Eliozu Health Centre where the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, led some security men to disrupt a programme by the Ministry of Health.
“A few minutes later, some policemen came and started beating up our women, shooting tear gas at pregnant women who were at the Health Centre.
“We want to say that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will not be under siege. We want to call on the President, Bola Tinubu that the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of the FCT are tarnishing the image of your government.
“We are calling on you to rein them in so that Rivers State can have peace. Let the FCT Minister concentrate on his job in Abuja and leave our dear governor alone.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.
Iringe-Koko said the police responded to a distress call over the scenario, adding that the investigation was ongoing.
She stated, “A distress call was received from the health centre in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight.
“The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore law and order.
“The police deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”
