Former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has narrowly escaped death on Friday as suspected gunmen attacked his convoy while travelling to his hometown, Ubima, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
This is coming hours after suspected hoodlums set ablaze the Ward 8 office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ubima, Amaechi’s hometown.
According to reports, the former Rivers Governor was heading to the community for his e-registration as a member of the party when the gunmen attacked his convoy.
Sources said the incident occurred between Ubima and the neighbouring Omuanwa community.
Video shared on X also captured the fierce fire exchange between the gunmen and Amaechi’s security team as sound of gun shots ricocheted in the air.
Prior to the incident, some suspected thugs had on Thursday night fired sporadically at the gate of Amaechi’s family residence following reports that the former governor would be visiting the community.
Earlier on the same day, party members were also reportedly attacked in Igwuruta community during a sensitisation programme.
Ahead of his arrival on Friday, Amaechi the suspected thugs were said to have mounted roadblocks along the route, turning back buses conveying ADC supporters to the event.
Addressing party supporters who gathered for the registration exercise, Amaechi sued for calm and commended security agencies for their swift response to the incident.
He thanked the state Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their intervention.
“I will thank the Commissioner of Police and the Director of DSS. They showed a lot of professionalism immediately I contacted them,” Amaechi said.
“In fact, I wasn’t expecting that kind of cooperation. I thought they would be behind these criminals and not render support. But the police came out, the NSCDC came out, and the DSS came out. We are grateful to them.”
Amaechi, however, urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are identified and prosecuted.
“They must also know that this cannot continue. The way they will show us that this cannot continue is by prosecuting those involved in this crime,” he said.
The ex-Rivers governor urged the state government to strengthen security across the state to prevent violence, particularly during the election period.
He warned that failure to protect lives and property could lead citizens to resort to self-help.
Amaechi further urged ADC members in the state to intensify mobilisation ahead of future elections, stating that the party’s ultimate goal is to win the presidency.
“ADC Rivers State, you must register en masse. You must make sure we have enough members to surprise them. On election day, they will know whether we will vote or not,” he said.
