Former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, on Friday narrowly escaped a gun attack while travelling to his hometown, Ubima, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Amaechi, a former governor of the state and the leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-South, was reportedly heading to the community for his e-registration as a member of the party when gunmen suspected to be political thugs attacked his convoy.
Sources said the incident occurred between Ubima and the neighbouring Omuanwa community, where the gunmen allegedly engaged Amaechi’s security team in a gun duel.
The attackers were also said to have earlier set ablaze the Ward 8 office of the ADC in Ubima, Amaechi’s hometown.
Residents said the suspected thugs had on Thursday night fired sporadically at the gate of Amaechi’s family residence following reports that the former governor would be visiting the community.
Earlier on the same day, party members were also reportedly attacked in Igwuruta community during a sensitisation programme.
Before Amaechi arrived in Ubima around noon on Friday, suspected thugs were said to have mounted roadblocks along the route, turning back buses conveying ADC supporters to the event.
The attackers allegedly fired gunshots into the community and damaged the gate of Amaechi’s family residence.
Security operatives attached to Amaechi’s convoy were said to have returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat into nearby bushes.
Addressing party supporters who gathered for the registration exercise, Amaechi called for calm and commended security agencies for their swift response to the incident.
He thanked the 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 their intervention.
“I will thank the Commissioner of Police and the Director of DSS. They showed a lot of professionalism immediately I contacted them,” Amaechi said.
“In fact, I wasn’t expecting that kind of cooperation. I thought they would be behind these criminals and not render support. But the police came out, the NSCDC came out, and the DSS came out. We are grateful to them.”
Amaechi, however, urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are identified and prosecuted.
“They must also know that this cannot continue. The way they will show us that this cannot continue is by prosecuting those involved in this crime,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor also advised the state government to strengthen security across the state to prevent violence, particularly during the election period.
He warned that failure to protect lives and property could lead citizens to resort to self-help.
Amaechi further urged ADC members in the state to intensify mobilisation ahead of future elections, stating that the party’s ultimate goal is to win the presidency.
“ADC Rivers State, you must register en masse. You must make sure we have enough members to surprise them. On election day, they will know whether we will vote or not,” he said.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
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