According to a report by The Punch on Saturday, March 7, 2026, violence erupted in Rivers State on Friday as armed thugs attacked the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, during his move to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The incident occurred in his hometown of Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area, leaving the community in shock.
The chaos began on Thursday night when miscreants set the ADC ward office in Ubima ablaze. By Friday morning, the situation escalated as gunmen mounted roadblocks to turn back buses carrying party supporters.
Witnesses reported that the thugs fired shots at the gate of Amaechi’s family house and later opened fire on his convoy as he approached the town.
Fortunately, Amaechi’s security details responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to flee into nearby bushes. Despite the assassination attempt, the former governor proceeded with his party registration.
He later toured the burnt secretariat, where he praised the Police, DSS, and NSCDC for their professional and “surprisingly swift” intervention.
Addressing a crowd of supporters, Amaechi urged for calm and warned against retaliatory violence. “The people will begin to protect themselves if the state fails to do so,” he cautioned, while demanding the immediate prosecution of those involved.
He linked the political tension to the biting economic hardship in the country, stating that Nigerians are “dropping dead every day because of hunger” while the elite play games.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arson at the party office. Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated that investigations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.See_More…