Tension in Rivers Community as Youth Leadership Dispute Claims One Life, Monarch’s Palace Set Ablaze

Tension in Rivers Community as Youth Leadership Dispute Claims One Life, Monarch’s Palace Set Ablaze

By Johnson Arua

Tension has gripped Rumuji community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State following a violent clash on Thursday that resulted in the death of a youth and the burning of the community monarch’s palace.

The crisis reportedly erupted during a meeting convened by a company operating in the area to discuss the activation of a mini power-generating plant built for the community. Trouble was said to have begun when the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, allegedly announced a new youth president, contrary to the incumbent, Mr. Anele Ogbu.

The announcement sparked a heated confrontation among youths, during which Mr. Paul Oduveh, a supporter of Ogbu, was stabbed. He was rushed to the hospital but died before receiving medical attention.

In retaliation, irate youths allegedly stormed and set ablaze the palace of the community’s traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Christian, whose property was reportedly destroyed in the inferno.

The development has heightened tension in the area, with reports of sporadic clashes between rival youth factions.

Reacting to the incident, Ogbu accused masked men—allegedly supported by some community figures and local vigilantes—of attacking his residence and destroying his property. He called on security agencies and government authorities to urgently intervene to prevent further bloodshed.

“If nothing is done, more youths may lose their lives,” he warned, alleging political interference in the community’s youth leadership structure.

As of press time, spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.