JUST-IN: Armed thugs engage Amaechi’s convoy in gun duel during ADC visit

Armed men suspected to be political thugs on Friday engaged the convoy of former Rivers State governor and South-South leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, in a gun battle in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The gunmen attacked the convoy of the former governor between his hometown, Ubima, and Omuanwa while he was in the community for his electronic registration as a member of the African Democratic Congress.

Before Amaechi arrived in the community at about 12:15 p.m. on Friday, suspected thugs had already mounted a roadblock, turning back buses believed to be carrying ADC members who were heading to the town for the exercise.

The attackers had earlier, on Thursday night, set ablaze the ADC ward office in Ubima, the former governor’s hometown.

Residents said the assailants invaded the community heavily armed, firing sporadically and riddling the gate of Amaechi’s family house with bullets in an apparent attempt to stop his visit.

However, when Amaechi’s convoy attempted to enter the community, the armed men blocked the vehicles, prompting security operatives attached to the former governor to engage them in a gun duel.

The attackers eventually fled into nearby bushes after the security operatives responded with superior firepower.

Addressing hundreds of party members who gathered to witness the e-registration exercise, Amaechi called for calm and urged supporters not to resort to violence.

He thanked the Rivers 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 swift intervention.

Amaechi, who spoke after inspecting the burnt party office, commended the security agencies for what he described as a professional response.

He urged law enforcement authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.

“I will thank the commissioner of police and the director of DSS. They showed a lot of professionalism immediately I made contact with them,” he said.

“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, and the DSS came out. So we are grateful to them.”

Amaechi added that the authorities must ensure those involved in the attack are brought to justice to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He also urged the state government to strengthen security across the state to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The former governor called on ADC members in Rivers State to remain peaceful and focus on mobilising support for the party ahead of future elections.

“We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction. What they are doing will not put food on your table,” he said.

“We are hungry. If you are not hungry, tell them I am hungry. People are dropping dead every day because of hunger.

“There are a few people stealing our money and they say we should keep quiet. We can no longer keep quiet.”

He urged party supporters to register massively with the ADC, saying the party aims to build strong grassroots support ahead of the next elections.