Gunmen on Friday attacked the convoy of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and set ablaze the ward office of the African Democratic Congress in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Amaechi, a former governor of the state, had visited his hometown for his electronic registration as a member of the party when the incident occurred.
Sources said the attack happened along the road between Ubima and Omuanwa in Ikwerre LGA. Before Amaechi arrived in the community at about 12:15 p.m., suspected thugs had mounted a roadblock, turning back buses believed to be conveying ADC members attending the exercise.
The attackers had reportedly struck earlier on Thursday night, setting the ADC ward office in Ubima on fire.
Witnesses said the armed men stormed the community with heavy weapons in an attempt to disrupt the former governor’s visit. They allegedly fired sporadically and riddled the gate of Amaechi’s family house with bullets.
When Amaechi eventually arrived, the gunmen reportedly attempted to block his convoy. However, security operatives attached to him engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes after what observers described as superior firepower from the security team.
Addressing party supporters who gathered for the registration exercise, Amaechi called for calm and urged members of the party not to resort to violence.
He commended the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their swift response to the attack.
“I will thank the Commissioner of Police and the Director of DSS. They showed a lot of professionalism immediately I made contact with them,” Amaechi said, adding that he was impressed by the quick intervention of the security agencies.
He, however, stressed that those responsible for the attack must be identified and prosecuted to prevent a recurrence.
Amaechi also urged the state government to strengthen security across Rivers State to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
While encouraging party members to intensify mobilisation, he said the party remained focused on its long-term political ambition.
“Our role is to be calm and peaceful. We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction,” he said.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would obtain details of the incident and respond later. As of the time of filing this report, she had yet to provide further information.
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