Tension has escalated in Ubima community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State after suspected political thugs allegedly attacked and burned down the local office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Reports indicate that the community, which is the hometown of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, was thrown into panic as the assailants reportedly arrived with firearms and fired several gunshots into the air.
Residents said the attackers invaded the area on Thursday night, shooting sporadically before setting the party’s secretariat on fire.
The attack came just hours before Amaechi’s planned visit to the community on Friday, where he was expected to officially register with the ADC at the ward level.
Amaechi is among the key figures in the party, which is positioning itself as a major opposition platform seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
According to sources in the community, the gunmen moved around the area firing indiscriminately, causing fear among residents.
It was also gathered that the suspected attackers returned early Friday morning and reportedly set up a roadblock along the Omuawa-Ubima Road.
Eyewitnesses claimed the group stopped buses and other vehicles carrying ADC banners, preventing supporters from entering the community ahead of the political event.
The development heightened tension in the area, forcing many residents to remain indoors for safety.
Security operatives were later deployed to the community following the incident. Their presence reportedly helped restore calm, although the full extent of damage to the party office had not been confirmed as of the time this report was filed.