BREAKING: Gunmen ambush Amaechi’s convoy, torch ADC office in Rivers

Gunmen suspected to be political thugs on Friday engaged the convoy of the South-South leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chibuike Amaechi, in a gun battle.

The attackers ambushed the convoy of the former Rivers State governor along the road between his hometown, Ubima, and Omuanwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Amaechi had returned to his community to carry out his electronic registration as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Before his arrival in Ubima at about 12:15 p.m. on Friday, suspected thugs had already mounted a roadblock in the area, turning back buses believed to be conveying ADC members to the event.
Reports indicated that the same group had, on Thursday night, set fire to the ADC ward office located in Ubima, Amaechi’s hometown.
The assailants, said to be heavily armed, invaded the community in an attempt to prevent the former governor’s visit. They reportedly fired shots sporadically within the community and riddled the gate of Amaechi’s family residence with bullets.
However, when Amaechi eventually arrived and attempted to enter the community, the gunmen tried to block his convoy. Security operatives attached to the convoy responded and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
Following the exchange, the security personnel reportedly overpowered the gunmen, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.
Addressing hundreds of party members who gathered to witness the e-registration exercise, Amaechi called for calm.
He also expressed appreciation to the 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 prompt intervention.
Amaechi, who spoke after inspecting the burnt party office, commended the professionalism shown by the security agencies during the incident.
He urged party members to avoid any form of retaliation, stressing that it was the responsibility of security agencies to investigate, arrest, 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 contacted them,” Amaechi said.
“In fact, I was not expecting that level of cooperation. I thought they might be behind these criminals and not render support. But we must all acknowledge that the police, the NSCDC, and the DSS responded promptly, and we are grateful to them.”
He added that the authorities must ensure that those responsible for the attack are prosecuted.
Amaechi also called on the Rivers State governor to strengthen security across the state in order to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
He encouraged party members to begin massive mobilisation ahead of future elections, noting that their ultimate goal remains the presidency.
“I have been a governor, and I know the consequences of failing to protect the lives of the people,” he said.
“For now, everyone should remain calm and peaceful. We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction and it will not put food on your table.
“We are hungry. If you are not hungry, tell them I am hungry. People are dying every day because of hunger, while a few individuals continue to steal public funds and expect us to remain silent.
“We can no longer keep quiet. ADC Rivers State must register en masse. You must ensure that we have enough members to surprise them. On election day, they will know whether we will vote or not.”