There was palpable tension in Abuloma Community in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State as panic and chaos erupted when heavy shooting disrupted the elections of the Eastern Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

Findings by Kristina Reports indicate that the incident, which took place on the evening of Saturday, September 14, 2024, saw residents scampering for safety as violence shattered the serenity of the community.

It was unclear as at press time what led to the onset of violence as gunmen suspected to be loyalists of an unnamed militant leader unleashed a hail of bullets, turning the election venue into a war zone, leaving residents and participants scrambling for their lives.

Eyewitness accounts say the said militant leader’s loyalists came in large numbers dressed in white apparels and wielding weapons to ensure that one of the candidates loyal to him was returned as winner of the election.

Another account has it that the group were resisted by youths of a neighbouring community, who staged a blockade preventing the invaders from accessing the election venue, thus leading to a break out of hostilities.

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Command said the State Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu instantly deployed Tactical Teams to quell the situation.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko informed that perpetrators of the violence escaped before detachments of police operatives arrived the scene of the incident, leaving behind a trail of terror and confusion.

Accorign to her, the Commissioner of Police who vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, has issued marching orders to his officers and men to hunt them down and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.

As investigations intensify, the Police urged residents of Abuloma to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Normalcy, however, has since been restored in the area.