RIVERS of blood flowed in Rivers State on New Year Day in Omoku, when over 20 people were killed and 12 more were injured. Like most states in Nigeria, Rivers has always had some history of political violence since the 2003 general election. I lived in Rivers for 10 years most of them during the administration of the former governor, and I can testify that Rivers State enjoyed relative peace and stability during his reign. There was no upsurge in violence in Rivers until a few weeks to the 2015 general elections when several politicians were attacked and killed by armed gangs. Violence in Rivers State has been provoked mainly by the quest for power.

Source: Nigerian Tribune January 05, 2018 07:30 UTC