Chaos in KuGompo: Ten vehicles torched during protest against ‘Nigerian King's’ coronation

More than ten vehicles have been torched during a protest in KuGompo, formerly East London, in the Eastern Cape.

The demonstration, led by several groups including march and march, along with traditional leaders, was held in opposition to the coronation of a so-called Nigerian King.

The protest began peacefully but later turned violent following unconfirmed reports that a demonstrator had been stabbed.

READ: Violence erupts in KuGompo as protesters clash over Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ coronation

Police who dispersed the crowd, firing rubber bullets, said they have not yet verified these claims and, at this stage, no injuries have been reported.

The acting Nigerian High Commissioner has distanced himself from the self-proclaimed king, Solomon Ogbonna Ezika, describing the coronation as an isolated incident driven by ignorance.

Eastern Cape Police Spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana said, "Violence broke out when some participants moved away from the city hall, where a petition was being handed over. Twelve vehicles have been damaged, and several buildings have been torched. Emergency services, including the fire department, remain on the scene, along with the public order policing unit. This is an active scene, and updates information will be shared in due course."