Tension rose in parts of Rivers State on Friday after armed men allegedly attempted to stop former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, from entering his hometown of Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The incident happened on March 6, 2026, when Amaechi’s convoy approached the community.
Reports from the area indicate that suspected political thugs blocked a major road leading into the town.
The gunmen were said to have opened fire while trying to halt the former governor’s movement.
Security personnel attached to Amaechi quickly intervened. They reportedly engaged the attackers and cleared the route.
After the brief confrontation, the convoy continued its journey into Ubima without turning back.
Videos circulating on social media showed armed men positioned along the road. In some of the clips, gunshots could be heard as people ran for safety. The tense situation caused panic among residents in the area.
The development came barely hours after another disturbing incident in the community. Late Thursday night, suspected political thugs reportedly set fire to the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress in Ubima Ward 8. The building was said to have been badly damaged by the blaze.
Residents believe the attacks were connected to Amaechi’s planned visit to the community. The former Rivers State governor was expected to formally register with the party at the ward level as part of ongoing political mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi, a prominent figure within the ADC, is a native of Ubima. His political activities in the area have drawn attention amid the shifting alliances in Rivers State politics.
Local sources described the attacks as politically motivated. Some residents alleged that rival political groups may be behind the disruption, though no group has openly claimed responsibility.
Friday’s incident is the second reported attack involving ADC members in the state in recent weeks. In February 2026, party supporters were allegedly attacked during a sensitization program in Igwuruta community.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Police Command had not released an official statement on the attack. There were also no confirmed reports of casualties from the confrontation.
Security presence in parts of Ikwerre has reportedly increased as authorities monitor the situation.
Further developments are expected as investigations continue.
