Former Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has called on security agencies to urgently track down and prosecute the gunmen who attacked his convoy and set ablaze the ward office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Amaechi appealed on Friday after suspected armed thugs allegedly ambushed his convoy along the Ubima–Omuanwa road while he was travelling to his hometown to complete his electronic registration as a member of the ADC.
The incident reportedly created tension in the area, as residents and party supporters expressed concern over the attack, which many described as a threat to political participation and freedom of association.
According to reports, suspected thugs had earlier mounted roadblocks on routes leading into Ubima, turning back vehicles believed to be carrying ADC members and supporters who were heading to the community to participate in the party’s e-registration exercise.
The attackers were also said to have set fire to the ADC ward office in Ubima on Thursday night, just hours before Amaechi’s scheduled visit to the community.
Witnesses said the armed men stormed the area with sophisticated weapons and fired several gunshots into the air, creating panic among residents.
During the attack, the gate of Amaechi’s family residence in the community was reportedly riddled with bullets.
Despite the tension in the area, Amaechi eventually arrived in Ubima around midday on Friday to complete the registration exercise.
However, the armed group allegedly attempted to block his convoy from entering the town before security operatives attached to the former minister confronted them.
The attackers reportedly fled into nearby bushes after the security personnel responded with superior firepower.
Speaking to a crowd of party supporters who had gathered for the e-registration exercise, Amaechi appealed for calm and urged ADC members not to retaliate.
He also commended the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for what he described as their swift response to the situation.
“I will thank the commissioner of police and the director of DSS. They showed a lot of professionalism immediately I made contact with them,” Amaechi was quoted as saying.
“In fact, I wasn’t expecting that kind of cooperation. I thought they would be behind these criminals and not render support. But all of us will agree that the police came out, the NSCDC came out, DSS came out.
“So we are grateful to them. I’m grateful to them, especially those of them who are here.”
Amaechi, who later inspected the burnt ADC ward office during his visit, stressed that the security agencies must go beyond responding to the attack and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
“But they must also know that this cannot continue. The way they will show us that this cannot continue is that they must prosecute those who are involved in this crime,” he said.
He further called on the Rivers State government to strengthen security across the state to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.
Amaechi warned that if authorities fail to adequately protect lives and property, citizens may eventually be forced to defend themselves.
“I have been a governor, and I know the consequences of not protecting the lives of people. The people will begin to protect their lives by themselves because they don’t want to die,” he said.
The former governor also encouraged members of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State to remain committed to the party and intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of future elections.
He urged supporters to participate actively in the party’s e-registration exercise and expand its membership base across the state.
According to him, a strong membership structure would position the party to compete effectively in upcoming elections and pursue its broader political ambition at the national level.
Meanwhile, when contacted for comments on the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would obtain details of the incident and get back with an official response.
However, as of the time of filing this report, the police spokesperson had not provided further updates on the attack.
