By George Ozalla
Armed men suspected to be political thugs on Friday attacked the convoy of former Rivers State governor and leader of the African Democratic Congress in the South-South, Chibuike Amaechi, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State after earlier setting ablaze the party’s ward office in his community.
The incident occurred along the road between Ubima, Amaechi’s hometown, and Omuanwa as the former minister travelled to the community to complete his electronic registration as a member of the African Democratic Congress.
Witnesses said suspected thugs had mounted a roadblock before Amaechi arrived in the community around 12:15 p.m., turning back vehicles identified as conveying party members who had gathered for the registration exercise.
The attackers had reportedly struck the community on Thursday night, when they set the ADC ward office in Ubima on fire. Residents said the armed men, who arrived in the area with heavy weapons, fired sporadically and riddled the gate of Amaechi’s family house with bullets.
Tension escalated when the gunmen later confronted the former governor’s convoy on Friday. Security personnel attached to the convoy responded and engaged the attackers in a brief exchange of gunfire.
The armed men eventually fled into nearby bushes after the security operatives overpowered them.
Amaechi later addressed hundreds of party members who had gathered in the community for the e-registration exercise. He called for calm and urged members of the party not to retaliate or engage in violence.
The former governor also commended the response of security agencies, noting that they acted professionally after being contacted about the incident.
He expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services, stating that their prompt intervention helped stabilise the situation.
Amaechi, however, insisted that the security agencies must go further by identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the attacks.
He also urged the Rivers State government to strengthen security across the state to prevent further breakdown of law and order, warning that continued attacks on political actors could escalate tensions.
Addressing party supporters, the former governor encouraged members of the African Democratic Congress to embark on massive mobilisation and registration, stressing that the party’s long-term objective is to contest and win the presidency.
He said Nigerians were facing deep economic hardship and hunger, adding that the political struggle must remain peaceful despite provocations.
