Political crisis in Rivers State deepened into violence on Monday leading to the killing of a brother to Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the father of a newly elected councillor, and about three other persons.
Three local government secretariats were also torched by suspected thugs shortly after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, withdrew the policemen guarding the council premises.
Suspected political thugs torched Ikwere Local Government while an explosion rocked the Eleme council secretariat.
Rival groups also attempted to take over Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni councils.
The development disrupted the planned resumption of the 23 newly elected local government chairmen and the swearing-in of 319 elected councillors.
Emohua Local Government Area was reportedly taken over by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opposed to the council election which was held on Saturday.