By Deborah Nnamdi
Armed men suspected to be political thugs on Friday attacked the convoy of the South-South leader of the African Democratic Party, Chibuike Amaechi, leading to a gun duel with security operatives in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The attack occurred along the road between Ubima, Amaechi’s hometown, and Omuanwa while the former governor was on his way to his community for his e-registration as a member of the African Democratic Party.
Before Amaechi arrived in Ubima at about 12:15 p.m., suspected thugs had reportedly mounted a roadblock in the area, turning back buses believed to be carrying ADC members heading to the event.
The assailants were also said to have set ablaze the ward office of the party in Ubima on Thursday night and allegedly invaded the community with heavy gunfire in an attempt to stop the former governor’s visit. Witnesses said the attackers shot sporadically into the community and riddled the gate of Amaechi’s family house with bullets.
When the former minister’s convoy approached the area, the armed men reportedly attempted to stop the vehicles, prompting security personnel attached to the convoy to engage them. Following the exchange of gunfire, the attackers fled into nearby bushes after the security operatives overpowered them.
Addressing hundreds of party members who gathered for the e-registration exercise, Amaechi called for calm and commended security agencies for their swift response.
He specifically thanked the state Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their intervention, noting that they demonstrated professionalism in handling the situation.
Amaechi also urged the authorities to ensure those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted, warning that such incidents should not be allowed to continue.
He further called on the state government to strengthen security across the state to prevent a breakdown of law and order while encouraging members of the party to continue mobilizing ahead of future elections. According to him, the party remains focused on its political ambitions despite what he described as attempts to distract its members.
