Police begin probe into attack on ADC office in Rivers
Police Investigate Arson at African Democratic Congress Secretariat in Rivers State
RIVERS STATE, Nigeria — Authorities have initiated an investigation into an alleged arson attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in the Ubima community, near Port Harcourt.
The incident, confirmed by Police Public Relations Officer CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, occurred recently when suspected political thugs reportedly set the ADC’s ward office ablaze. Ubima is notable as the hometown of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
According to reports, the attackers first established a roadblock on the Omuma–Ubima Road, allegedly targeting vehicles transporting ADC materials, including banners intended for an ongoing registration exercise.
Iringe-Koko urged residents to remain calm, stating that police detectives are actively working to identify and apprehend those responsible. She confirmed that a full-scale investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident and the culprits behind it.
“We received a report of a fire outbreak at the ADC secretariat in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area, allegedly caused by some miscreants,” Iringe-Koko said. “A detachment was deployed to the scene, where it was confirmed to be a party office. No lives were lost, but property was damaged. Investigation is ongoing.”
The police spokesperson noted that detectives are currently assessing the extent of the damage, and as of now, no arrests have been made. She called on the public to assist law enforcement by providing any useful information regarding the incident.
An eyewitness, identified only as Amadi, reported to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the attack took place just before Amaechi’s arrival for the ADC’s electronic registration exercise. He recounted that the arsonists attacked the secretariat in the early hours of Friday, igniting a fire that caused significant destruction.
“The flames destroyed several items inside the facility, including party documents and materials,” Amadi said. “By the time we noticed the fire, the building had already suffered significant damage.”
