Gunmen suspected to be political thugs on Friday attacked the convoy of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, in Rivers State.
According to a Daily Trust report, the attack reportedly occurred along the road between Ubima, Mr Amaechi’s hometown, and Omuanwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Mr Amaechi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, was in his community to validate his e-registration as a member of the party.
Sources said that before the former minister arrived in Ubima at about 12:15 p.m. on Friday, suspected political thugs had already mounted a roadblock along the route, turning back buses believed to be conveying ADC members who were travelling to attend the event.
Residents said the situation was brought under control following the intervention of security operatives who were mobilised to the area and succeeded in dispersing the hoodlums.
The attack came barely a day after suspected political thugs allegedly set ablaze the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress in Ubima community.
The incident occurred on Thursday night ahead of Mr Amaechi’s visit to the community to complete his registration with the party.
Witnesses said the assailants stormed the area with heavy weapons and fired sporadically before setting the party secretariat on fire.
Reacting to the incident, Mr Amaechi condemned the attack and commended security agencies for their swift response.
He said the attacks on the ADC secretariat and his convoy would not distract the party from its political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the party remains focused on its goal of taking over leadership at the federal level.
Mr Amaechi also urged security agencies to track down those responsible for the violence and ensure they are brought to justice.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the police spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, were unsuccessful as calls and a text message sent to her had not been responded to.
