A deadly scene unfolded in Abuloma, Port Harcourt, as gunmen in buses stormed the area to disrupt the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Zonal election yesterday. The sudden outbreak of violence led to gunfire, causing widespread chaos and leaving at least 12 dead and over 50 others injured, according to local reports.
The election, initially scheduled to take place at Abuloma Hall, was abruptly moved to the UPE field due to rising tensions. The bloody clash was reportedly fueled by the ambitions of rival warlords pushing their preferred candidates, including well-known figures like Ateke Tom and Alhaji Asari Dokubo. Tensions rose further when some candidates, who had agreed to step down, refused to follow through with their pledges.
Eyewitnesses reported that the violence broke out when factions linked to Asari Dokubo collided with the Greenland and Iceland cult groups. The confrontation escalated into a full-blown conflict, with allegations circulating that Asari’s men, whom he calls his “security force” in a viral video, were involved in sparking the violence. TrackNews recalls a controversial claim by Asari about having a personal security outfit carrying out covert operations, raising concerns about his role in the incident.
While cult-related activities have been linked to the conflict, there are also speculations about the involvement of political and regional interests, which have only deepened the complexity of the situation. With tensions still high, the future of the Eastern Zone election remains uncertain as calls for peace grow louder following the violent confrontation.
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