adminreporter
Suspected political thugs have set ablaze a ward office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ubima community, the hometown of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The incident occurred in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State in the early hours of Friday.
The attack happened just hours before Amaechi was expected to formally register with the party at the ward level. The development has raised fresh concerns over rising political tension in the state.
Residents of the community said the assailants stormed the ADC ward office at dawn and set the building on fire. The flames reportedly destroyed several items inside the facility, including party documents and materials kept at the office.
Some locals alleged that the attackers were loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Wike and Amaechi are long-time political rivals in Rivers State and both previously served as governors of the oil-rich state.
A resident of the community described the incident as a calculated move ahead of Amaechi’s planned party activity in the area.
“Thugs loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike burnt down ADC ward office in Ubima, the home town of Rotimi Amaechi early Friday morning,” the resident said.
“This comes ahead of his party registration today.”
The African Democratic Congress facility in the area reportedly housed materials meant for local party activities. By the time residents noticed the fire, the building had already suffered significant damage.
Community sources said the attack has heightened fears among residents and political supporters who were preparing to witness Amaechi’s formal registration into the party at the ward level.
No casualties were reported from the incident as of the time this report was filed. However, the destruction of the party office has further deepened the tense political atmosphere in the state.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, remains one of the most influential political figures from Rivers State. His political activities continue to draw attention across the state, especially in his hometown of Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Rivers State Police Command were unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, could not immediately confirm the incident.
When contacted for comments, she said, “I don’t understand what you are talking about, send me a text message,” before ending the call.
A text message requesting clarification and an official reaction was subsequently sent to her line.
As of the time of filing this report, no response had been received from the police authority.
