Rivers Judicial Commission Begins Inquiry into Killings, Arson at Council Secretariats

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the recent killings, destruction and burning of some local government headquarters in the state, began its work yesterday by visiting some of the affected councils.
The 7-member Commission, set up by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to investigate the killings, arson, looting, and destruction of secretariats, began its work yesterday, with a tour to 5 affected LGAs for on the spot assessment.
The commission after its inauguration by the state government was given a one-month deadline to deliver findings.
THISDAY observed that the commission visited Eleme, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas which were burnt with explosives on October 7, 2024, two days after the local government elections in the state.
The panel also visited Obio/Akpor and Khana local government Councils where several properties were destroyed and looted.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri said they were at the affected LGAs to assess the level of damages done, and also engage with security agencies and leadership of the councils to get comprehensive information to the incidents.
While noting that several memoranda had been submitted to the panel, Justice Minakiri pledged the commission’s commitment to approaching it’s task with thoroughness, transparency, fairness and diligence.