Suspected gunmen reportedly opened fire on Friday as the convoy of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, arrived in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, for his formal registration as a member of the African Democratic Congress.
Eyewitnesses said sporadic gunshots rang out across parts of the community when the former minister’s convoy approached the venue of the registration exercise.
The shooting caused panic among residents and supporters who had gathered to witness the event.
Security personnel reportedly intervened swiftly to restore order, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Despite the disturbance, Amaechi proceeded with the registration exercise in his hometown and later addressed supporters and members of the community.
The Rivers State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Speaking shortly after the event, the former governor condemned the attack but praised security agencies for their prompt response and professionalism in containing the situation.
He noted that operatives from the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) acted quickly to stabilise the area.
“I want to commend the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the DSS for their cooperation. They showed a lot of professionalism. Immediately I made contact with them, they responded. In fact, I wasn’t expecting that level of cooperation,” he said.
“All of us will agree that the police came out, the NSCDC came out, and the DSS also came out. We are grateful to them,” he added.
Amaechi, however, stressed that those responsible for the attack must be identified and prosecuted to prevent a recurrence.
“They must show that this will not continue by prosecuting those involved in this crime. I have been a governor, and I know the consequences of not protecting the lives of people.
“When people feel unprotected, they may begin to defend themselves because they don’t want to die,” Amaechi said.
He also urged residents and supporters to remain calm and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the area.
“For now, everybody should calm down and remain peaceful. We should thank the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS, and the Commandant of the NSCDC. Our goal is to remain calm and peaceful,” he stated.
Amaechi also criticised the country’s economic conditions, saying worsening hardship and hunger had driven citizens to demand accountability from those in leadership.
“We are marching to Aso Rock. What I do may not put food on your table, but the truth is that we are hungry. If you are not hungry, tell them that I am hungry.
“People are dying every day because of hunger, yet a few individuals are stealing our money and expect us to keep quiet. We can no longer keep quiet,” he added.
The former minister further urged supporters of the ADC to mobilise and register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the party’s strength would depend on its membership base.
“The more we are, the more difficult it will be for them to intimidate us. Let the people choose who they want. What democracy provides is an opportunity for the people to decide who the right leaders are,” he said.
Amaechi also challenged the current administration to present concrete achievements comparable to projects carried out during his tenure as Minister of Transportation.
“I was Minister of Transportation, and I can show you evidence of what I did. Let this government show one thing it has done, either in the North or in the South,” the former governor said, urging residents of Rivers State to remain politically active and participate fully in the democratic process as the country approaches the next general elections.
