The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of a police officer and a local vigilante member in Eberi-Omuma, Omuma Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on Tuesday during a confrontation at the council secretariat.

Security personnel were reportedly determined to prevent supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from entering the premises.

According to eyewitnesses, an argument broke out between police personnel on opposing sides, which escalated into a shooting that resulted in the deaths.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringo-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating, ” Yes, we lost a police officer and a vigilante member. An investigation is ongoing to unravel the cause of the deaths of the police officer and the local vigilante member.”

The conflict arose following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the elected chairmen of local governments and ward councillors on June 17.

Around 1 pm, a policeman attached to a politician in the area allegedly shot the vigilante member, who belonged to the Omuma Security Planning and Advisory Committee. This sparked a retaliation from the victim’s colleagues, leading to further violence.

Iringe-Koko also mentioned that the command would soon issue a detailed statement on the crisis and the steps it has taken so far.