Israel Abosi, the newly elected Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, stormed the council secretariat in Isiokpo with armed men, taking over control less than 24 hours after arsonists set the building ablaze.

This takeover took place on Tuesday morning, with Abosi accompanied by his deputy, newly elected councillors, and a crowd of supporters, including vigilante members brandishing guns and firing shots into the air.

The atmosphere was tense, with solidarity songs and chants daring political opponents to confront them at the secretariat.

The move follows the burning of both Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Council secretariats on Monday, sparked by the withdrawal of police officers securing the 23 council secretariats by Police Chief Kayode Egbetokun.

In response to the chaos, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Police Force to ensure security is provided for the 23 LG secretariats.