IYC: 12 Killed, Over 50 Injured as Violence Erupts Over Eastern Zone Election

Violence Erupts in Abuloma Over Ijaw Youth Council Chairmanship Election

Earlier yesterday, chaos erupted in Abuloma, Port Harcourt, as armed men stormed the community in busses, to disrupt the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Zonal election. Gunfire rang out sporadically, leading to tragic casualties and widespread injuries. Local sources confirmed that at least 12 lives were lost, with more than 50 people injured.

The IYC Eastern Zone election, initially planned to be held at Abuloma Hall opposite a filling station, was suddenly relocated to the UPE field due to rising tensions. The clash reportedly involved various factions of warlords who were determined to impose their preferred candidates, including high-profile figures such as Ateke Tom and Alhaji Asari Dokubo. Reports suggest that some candidates refused to step down after agreeing to step prior to the election, further escalating tensions

Eyewitnesses stated that violence erupted when groups linked to Asari Dokubo clashed with Greenland and Iceland cult groups, igniting a full-scale conflict. Allegations have surfaced that Asari’s men, who he referred to as his “security force” in a viral video, were responsible for sparking the violence. TrackNews recalls Asari’s controversial claim of possessing a personal security outfit that undertakes covert operations, raising further concerns about his influence over the events.

While some reports point to cult-related activities as the root cause of the conflict, the involvement of political and regional interests has intensified the speculation surrounding the incident. As tensions continue to simmer, the fate of the Eastern Zone election remains uncertain, with calls for peace growing louder in the aftermath of the deadly confrontation