- Suspected political thugs blocked road in Ubima
- Security operatives engaged attackers in gun duel in Rivers State
- ADC ward office in Ubima reportedly burnt hours before visit
- Amaechi completed ADC e-registration despite tension
Suspected political thugs on Friday attacked the convoy of former Rivers State governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi along the Ubima–Omuanwa road in Ikwerre Local Government Area, sparking a brief gun duel with security operatives.
Tension gripped parts of Rivers State on Friday after armed men suspected to be political thugs attacked the convoy of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of the state and ex-Minister of Transportation.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The incident occurred along the Ubima–Omuanwa axis in Ikwerre Local Government Area as Amaechi was on his way to his hometown, Ubima, to complete his electronic registration as a member of the African Democratic Congress.
Sources said that before the former governor arrived in the community around 12:15 p.m., suspected thugs had already mounted a roadblock along the route. Buses conveying members of the party who were heading to welcome Amaechi were reportedly turned back.
The situation escalated when the attackers confronted Amaechi’s convoy as it attempted to enter the town.
Security personnel accompanying the former governor quickly responded, engaging the armed men in a gun duel. Witnesses said the attackers eventually fled into nearby bushes after being overpowered.
The attack came barely hours after suspected thugs reportedly set ablaze the ward office of the African Democratic Congress in Ubima on Thursday night.
Residents also reported hearing sporadic gunshots as the attackers allegedly fired into the community. The gate of Amaechi’s family residence was said to have been riddled with bullets during the incident.
Despite the tension and security scare, Amaechi continued with his visit and successfully completed his ADC e-registration in the presence of hundreds of supporters who had gathered to witness the exercise.
After inspecting the burnt party office, the former governor urged party supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
“No matter the provocation, we must remain peaceful and allow security agencies to do their work,” Amaechi told supporters.
He commended security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for their swift response to the attack.
Amaechi, however, insisted that those responsible for the violence must be identified and prosecuted.
