Baby Tear-Gassed, Unconcious As Wike, Fubara’s Supporters Clash In Rivers

An unidentified baby is the latest victim in the unfolding power struggle between supporters of Nyesom Wike and Governor Simi Fubara

A baby who came for medical attention at a medical centre in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State was reportedly tear-gassed and became unconscious on Wednesday after supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike clashed at the centre.

GWG.ng gathered that the yet to be identified baby inhaled the tear gas that was shot into the air to separate the rival political actors who were fighting over the conduct of a medical outreach conducted in the  Eliozu community, Obio/Akpor LGA.

According to sources trouble started when officials of the state Ministry of Health were carrying out a medical outreach for women at the Eliozu Health Centre.

How Supporters of Fubara, Wike Clashed at Medical Centre

It was gathered that no sooner had the programme started than some supporters allegedly loyal to the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, arrived at the venue to find out the reason for the gathering.

The venue for the medical outreach is said to be near the residence of  Amaewhule, who is the leader of the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike.

But supporters of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke Ihunwo, loyal to Fubara, who were at the venue allegedly stopped them from accessing the venue, leading to a heated argument and subsequent clash.

It was learnt that stones were pelted from several directions as the medical outreach was disrupted abruptly.

As the rival supporters fought a team of anti-riot policemen arrived at the scene, firing teargas to disperse the opposing groups and quell the situation from getting out of hand.

It was in the process that the child reportedly inhaled tear gas and became unconscious.

The situation led to the relocation of the medical outreach to a state-owned medical facility at the Waterlines axis of Port Harcourt where the programme was launched.

Why Supporters Of Fubara and Wike clashed – Obio/Akpor Chairman

Reacting to the incident, the Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, accused Amaewhule, of leading policemen to disrupt the outreach.

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.”

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident to the Punch.

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.”

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