The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante during a clash between two political groups in Omuma Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson of the command, said in statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the clash was sparked by a dispute over the tenure of LG chairman in Omuma.

She revealed that police operatives have been deployed to all the 23 LG council offices in the state to maintain peace.

“The clash between the two political factions, triggered by the tenure disagreement of LG chairmen, led to the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member in Eberi-Omuma community.

“Consequently, the police have taken over the 23 council secretariates and some critical government facilities to prevent further violence and breakdown of law and order.

“To ensure stability, the command has also deployed anti-riot police officers to the various council headquarters,” Iringe-Koko said.

The police spokesperson cautioned partisan groups against defying the law and reassured residents of control over the situation in the LGAs offices