Tension gripped Ubima community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday after gunmen suspected to be political thugs attacked the convoy of former governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, during his visit to the area.
Amaechi, who recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its South-South leader, was in his hometown to carry out his electronic registration as a member of the party when the incident occurred.
Sources said suspected thugs had earlier mounted a roadblock along the Ubima–Omuanwa axis, preventing buses conveying ADC supporters from entering the community ahead of the former governor’s arrival.
The situation later escalated when the armed men confronted Amaechi’s convoy. Security operatives attached to the former minister reportedly exchanged gunfire with the attackers, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.
The attack came barely hours after suspected hoodlums reportedly set ablaze the ADC ward office in Ubima on Thursday night, heightening political tension in the area.
Witnesses said the gunmen also fired sporadically within the community and riddled the gate of Amaechi’s family residence with bullets in what appeared to be an attempt to disrupt his planned visit.
Despite the incident, Amaechi proceeded with the visit and completed his e-registration exercise before a large crowd of supporters who gathered to welcome him.
After inspecting the burnt party office, he called on his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid any form of retaliation.
The former governor also commended security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for their swift intervention, while insisting that those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice.
Tension in Rivers as Gunmen Attack Amaechi’s Convoy, Torch ADC Office
