Gunmen on Friday attacked the convoy of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and set ablaze the office of the African Democratic Congress in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, was in his hometown for his e-registration as a member of the ADC when the incident occurred.

Sources said the attack happened on the road between Ubima and Omuanwa in Ikwerre LGA. Before Amaechi arrived around 12:15 p.m., suspected thugs had mounted a roadblock, turning back buses conveying party members to the event.

The attackers had earlier, on Thursday night, set fire to the ward office of the African Democratic Congress in Ubima.

The gunmen reportedly stormed the community with heavy weapons, fired sporadically, and riddled the gate of Amaechi’s family house with bullets in an attempt to prevent his visit.

When Amaechi’s convoy eventually entered the community, the attackers attempted to block the vehicles, but security operatives accompanying him engaged the gunmen.

The assailants fled into nearby bushes after the security team overpowered them.

Addressing supporters during the registration exercise, Amaechi called for calm and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.

He thanked the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their swift intervention.

Amaechi also appealed to members of the party not to resort to violence, stressing that it was the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to handle the situation.

He further urged the state government to strengthen security across the state to prevent further attacks.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would obtain details of the incident but had yet to provide an official update as of the time of filing the report.