Gunmen Torch ADC Office In Amaechi’s Community Ahead Of Ward Registration

The office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was Thursday night set ablaze by suspected political thugs in what residents believe was an attempt to disrupt the planned visit of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community shooting sporadically and later set the party secretariat on fire, triggering panic among residents.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and a leading figure in the ADC, is expected in Ubima on Friday to formally register with the party at his ward, a move considered significant in the party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Residents said the gunmen invaded the community late Thursday night with heavy gunfire, forcing many people indoors as the attack unfolded.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the ADC office was subsequently set ablaze, destroying property and heightening tension in the area.

Community sources alleged that the attackers’ objective was to create fear and discourage party supporters from turning out to welcome the former governor during his visit.

The situation reportedly escalated Friday morning when the suspected thugs reappeared and mounted a roadblock along the Omuawa–Ubima road.

Sources said vehicles conveying ADC supporters were stopped from entering the community, particularly buses displaying the party’s banners.

The roadblock, according to eyewitnesses, temporarily prevented movement into Ubima and disrupted preparations for the planned ward registration event.

Normalcy, however, was later restored following the intervention of security operatives who were mobilised to the area.

Security sources said officers dismantled the roadblock and secured the community to prevent further disturbances.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The attack comes amid heightened political activities in Rivers State as opposition figures reposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amaechi, a former presidential aspirant and influential political leader in the state, is among prominent figures within the ADC seeking to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.

Residents have urged security agencies to sustain surveillance in the area to forestall further violence and protect political activities in the community.