The Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State has launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack on a ward secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ubima, a community near Port Harcourt.
The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development in an interview on Saturday, stating that detectives had already begun efforts to identify those responsible for the incident.
According to reports, suspected political thugs set fire to the ADC ward office located in Ubima, which is the hometown of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The attackers were also said to have mounted a roadblock along the Omuma–Ubima Road, allegedly stopping vehicles believed to be transporting party materials such as banners and other items intended for political activities in the community.
However, the police urged residents not to panic, assuring the public that investigations were underway to uncover both the perpetrators and possible sponsors of the attack.
Iringe-Koko said the command received a report about a fire outbreak at the party secretariat located in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
“We received a report of a fire outbreak at the ADC secretariat in Ubima allegedly caused by some miscreants,” she said.
She explained that a police detachment was immediately deployed to the scene, where officers confirmed that the affected building was indeed a party office.
Although no casualties were recorded, the fire caused damage to property within the building.
“The building suffered damage but no life was lost. Investigation into the incident is ongoing,” she added.
The police spokesperson also noted that detectives were still assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the fire.
According to Iringe-Koko, no arrests have been made so far in connection with the attack.
She appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that could assist the investigation.
An eyewitness identified as Amadi told reporters that the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, shortly before the planned arrival of Amaechi in the community for the ongoing e-registration exercise of the African Democratic Congress in the state.
He said the attackers stormed the secretariat and set the building on fire before fleeing the scene.
“The flames destroyed several items in the building, including party documents and materials,” he said.
According to him, the fire had already caused significant damage by the time residents noticed the incident and attempted to respond.
