Police in Rivers State have launched an investigation into an alleged arson attack on the African Democratic Congress, ADC, secretariat in Ubima community, near Port Harcourt.
The incident was confirmed on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt.
According to reports, suspected political thugs set fire to the ADC ward office located in Ubima, the hometown of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Sources said the attackers had earlier mounted a roadblock along the Omuma–Ubima Road, reportedly targeting vehicles transporting ADC materials such as banners to the community.
Iringe-Koko, however, called for calm among residents, assuring that police detectives were already working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
According to her, the command has commenced a full-scale investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the incident and those 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.
“A detachment was deployed to the scene, and it was confirmed to be a party office.
“No life was lost, but properties were damaged. Investigation is ongoing,” she said.
The police spokesperson further stated that detectives were still assessing the extent of damage to the office complex.
She added that no arrests had been made so far and urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing useful information about the incident.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness who identified himself as Amadi told NAN that the attack occurred shortly before the arrival of Amaechi for the ongoing ADC electronic registration exercise in the state.
He explained that the suspected arsonists invaded the secretariat in the early hours of Friday and set the building on fire.
“The flames destroyed several items inside the facility, including party documents and materials.
“By the time we noticed the fire, the building had already suffered significant damage,” Amadi said.
