There has been a politically-influenced tension at Ubima, the hometown of former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, after suspected political thugs attacked his convoy following the burning of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ward office in the community.
The attackers, who were heavily armed, reportedly engaged security operatives attached to Amaechi in a gun duel on Friday between Ubima and Omuanwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The former governor had returned to his community to complete his electronic registration as a member of the ADC when the confrontation occurred.
Before Amaechi arrived in Ubima around 12:15 pm, suspected thugs had mounted a roadblock along the route, turning back buses believed to be carrying ADC supporters heading to the community for the event.
The development followed a violent attack the previous night when the same group allegedly stormed the community and set the ADC ward office on fire.
Residents said the attackers invaded Ubima with heavy gun power, shooting sporadically and riddling the gate of Amaechi’s family house with bullets in what appeared to be an attempt to stop his visit.
As Amaechi’s convoy attempted to enter the community, the armed men reportedly moved to block the vehicles, leading to a tensed confrontation.
However, security personnel attached to the former governor responded swiftly and engaged the attackers.
The gunmen eventually fled into nearby bushes after the security operatives unleashed superior firepower.
Amaechi Praises Security Agencies
Despite the tension, Amaechi went ahead with his registration and later addressed hundreds of party supporters who gathered for the exercise.
He commended the police, DSS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for responding quickly 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.
“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. I’m grateful to them, especially those of them who are here.
“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.”
‘We Are Marching to Aso Rock’
Amaechi urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, stressing that the responsibility of tracking down the attackers rests with security agencies.
‘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.
“But for now everybody should come down. Everybody should thank the Commissioner of Police. Everybody should thank the Director of SSS and the Commandant of NSCDC.
“Our role is to be calm, is to be peaceful. We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction. What they are doing will not put food on your table.
“We are hungry. If you are not hungry, tell them I am hungry. People are dropping dead every day because of hunger.
And there are a few people who are stealing our money, and they say we should keep quiet.
“We can no longer keep quiet. ADC Rivers State, you must register en masse. You must make sure that we have enough members to surprise them. On election day, they will know whether we will vote or not.”
