PORT HARCOURT — Tensions in Rivers State escalated on Thursday following a violent ambush on the convoy of the former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
The attackers, identified as suspected political thugs or gunmen, also targeted and set fire to the office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, further heightening fears of political instability in the oil-rich region.
The Convoy Ambush
The incident occurred while the former governor’s motorcade was navigating through the state. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen opened fire on the vehicles, leading to a chaotic scene as security details attached to the minister engaged the assailants in a shootout to repel the attack.
While the convoy managed to maneuver out of the kill zone, the attackers reportedly moved to a nearby location housing the ADC office, where they overpowered security guards and set the building on fire.
Rising Political Violence
The attack comes amid a volatile political climate in Rivers State. Amaechi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who recently entered into a strategic alliance with the ADC for the upcoming elections, has been at the center of a deepening rift within the state’s political landscape.
An aide to the former minister, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the attack as a “coordinated assassination attempt.”
“They didn’t just want to scare us; they came to kill. It was only by the grace of God and the bravery of the security team that the Principal is safe,” the aide stated.
Police Investigation Underway
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident and deployed a tactical team to the area to restore order and forestall reprisal attacks.
“We are aware of the reports regarding the attack on the former Minister’s convoy and the arson at the ADC office,” a police spokesperson said. “A full-scale investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act.”
As of press time, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the assault, and no fatalities have been confirmed, though several vehicles in the convoy sustained bullet damage.
