Former Minister of Transportation and Rivers State ex-Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, narrowly escaped an attack by armed thugs in his Ubima hometown, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Friday, 6th March, 2026. The incident occurred as Amaechi arrived around 12:15 p.m. for his electronic registration as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The violence began late Thursday night when suspected arsonists invaded Ubima community, shooting sporadically and setting ablaze the local ward office of the ADC.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen continuously shot the gate of Amaechi’s family house with bullets, creating widespread panic among residents. By Friday morning, the thugs had erected a roadblock on the route between Ubima and Omuanwa, turning back buses carrying ADC supporters eager to witness the registration exercise.
As Amaechi’s convoy approached, the armed group attempted to stop it, leading to a firefight with his security personnel. The security operatives, displaying superior firepower, repelled the attackers who fled into nearby bushes.
Although no casualties were reported from the clash, the assault underscored the volatile security situation in the country, particularly in the area.
Addressing hundreds of party members after inspecting the charred ADC office, Amaechi urged calm and restraint, emphasizing non-violence. He commended the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant for their prompt and professional response.
“I wasn’t expecting that kind of cooperation… the police came out, the NSCDC came, DSS came out,” Amaechi stated, expressing gratitude while demanding prosecution of the perpetrators. Amaechi warned that such incidents must cease, calling on Governor Fubara to bolster statewide security to prevent anarchy.
He rallied ADC members for mass registration and mobilization, declaring, “We can no longer keep quiet… On election day, they will know whether we will vote or not.”
Framing the attacks as distractions from national issues like hunger and corruption, he positioned the ADC’s push toward capturing the presidency. Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, promised details on the incident.
The attacks highlight escalating political rivalries in Rivers State, a hotspot for such violence, as parties gear up for future polls.