Police condemns violent attack on Ahoada-East sole administrator, orders arrest of council officials

The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the violent attack on the Sole Administrator of Ahoada-East Local Government Area, Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor, describing the incident as “heinous” and “reprehensible.”

The assault occurred on Thursday, June 20, 2025, at approximately 1:40 p.m., when a mob of about thirty individuals, allegedly led by Mr. Hector Ekakita—who serves as both the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Chief of Staff (COS) to the Sole Administrator—stormed the council secretariat in a coordinated and violent attack.

According to an official statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the hoodlums physically assaulted Hon. Iheanachor, forcibly took his mobile phones, and compelled him under duress to sign a resignation letter. They also looted his office, making away with both official and personal documents vital to the administration of the local council.

“The Sole Administrator sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Thankfully, he is in stable condition,” Iringe-Koko stated.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, visited the scene of the attack in the company of heads of sister security agencies.

He condemned the incident in strong terms and described it as an unacceptable breach of public order and governance.

The CP has ordered Mr. Ekakita and all individuals involved in the attack to report immediately to the State Police Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, for questioning.

He warned that failure to comply with the police summons would attract “severe consequences.”

“This Command is committed to upholding justice and protecting public office holders from acts of intimidation, violence, or sabotage,” CP Adepoju said. “No one is above the law, and we will ensure all those responsible for this barbaric act are brought to book.”

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The police have urged residents of Rivers State to remain calm and law-abiding, while assuring the public that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain law and order across the state.

While the motive behind the attack remains officially unconfirmed, sources within the local government suggest that rising political tension and disputes over control of the council may have played a role.

Analysts say this incident underscores the growing volatility in Rivers State’s local politics, especially amid ongoing leadership tussles in several LGAs.

“This is a dangerous precedent where internal political disputes escalate into physical violence,” said Dr. Kingsley Adie, a political analyst based in Port Harcourt. “It is a test of the state’s capacity to protect democratic institutions at the grassroots.”