The ongoing local government elections in Rivers State turned violent with heavy gunfire in Rumuepirikom area, home base of the Minister for Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Vanguard said some unidentified people sneaked into the community ahead of the elections and announced that people should not come out.
However, as polling officials were about to reach the area in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, gunmen suspected to be political thugs invaded the place.
Amid heavy gunfire, it was learnt that the unidentified gunmen who invaded the area held residents of the area hostage, preventing people from coming out to participate in the elections.
At least one person sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.