Security operatives in the Abalama community, Buguma, Rivers State are currently firing tear gas to disperse Kalabari women protesting against the visit of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The women have blocked all roads leading into Abalama, vowing not to allow Wike entry into their land.
The protest follows a controversial statement made by Wike on live television days ago, where he referred to the Ijaw ethnic nationality as a “minority of minorities.”
The remark sparked outrage among the Ijaw people, leading to widespread condemnation from leaders and groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
The Kalabari women, a subgroup of the Ijaw, mobilized to prevent Wike from stepping foot in their community, saying his visit is an insult after his derogatory remarks.
Despite warnings from traditional rulers, including the King of Abalama, who reportedly advised Wike to cancel the event to avoid embarrassment and potential bloodshed, Wike proceeded with plans to attend a Thanksgiving ceremony in the community.
The king also wrote to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, urging for caution, but his concerns were allegedly ignored.
Videos from the protest show the women standing their ground, chanting and blocking the road to prevent any pro-Wike supporters from gaining access.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) secretary, Maobuye Nangi Obu, accused security forces of shooting at the protesters, alleging that Wike’s supporters were trying to provoke violence in the community.
The Kalabari women insisted that Wike is not welcome in Abalama, saying that money and political power cannot buy love or erase the insult to their people.
