Breaking: Explosion destroys River assembly; armed men seize complex (video)
The incident occurred in the midst of purported efforts by a few lawmakers to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
On Sunday night, an explosion occurred at the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The incident occurred in the midst of purported efforts by a few lawmakers to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
At 9:25 p.m., it was determined that a group of suspect arsonists launched an explosive into the complex, burning the building.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, was not reachable on her mobile phone, but a senior police officer confirmed the incident to our correspondent.
According to our correspondent, several items within the chamber were destroyed.
Due to the sensitivity of the incident, the police officer requested anonymity and claimed that it was politically motivated.
"It is true, indeed. The fire broke out around 9:30 p.m. However, as we speak, the fire has been extinguished by firefighters who arrived just in time. He stated, "I believe it has to do with politics."
Our correspondent learned that some legislators in the state legislature have made plans to impeach the House speaker, Eddison Ehie, in order to pave the way for Fubara's removal.
The leader of the House is said to have obstructed efforts to remove Fubara.
Our reporter, who visited the Assembly at approximately 10:30 p.m., reports that police and other security personnel have taken control of the complex, with 17 security vehicles and one armoured personnel carrier stationed at the complex's entrance and surrounding areas.