In the early hours of Saturday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was attacked by unknown assailants using explosives suspected to be dynamite.
The explosion caused significant damage to the gate, doors, windows, and other properties, marking the second such attack on the APC secretariat this year.
Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC faction in Rivers State, revealed details of the attack during a press briefing. According to Okocha, the explosion occurred at around 3:20 am when a group of armed men arrived and planted the first explosive. When it failed to detonate, the attackers returned to set fire to the building.
“Some gun-trotting young men came here, dropped the first explosive, and returned to burn the structure when it didn’t detonate,” Okocha recounted. While the security house was completely destroyed, the quick response of party members prevented further destruction.
The attack comes on the eve of local government elections in Rivers State, adding to concerns about security in the region. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission confirmed that sensitive election materials were distributed to various local government areas on Friday, just hours before the attack.
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A viral video from the scene shows workers surveying the extensive damage. Meanwhile, Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that she had not yet received a formal report but assured the public that an investigation would follow.
This latest attack has intensified concerns about the security of political parties and their infrastructure ahead of the elections. Speculation about the cause of the attack has spread, with many attributing it to rising political tensions in the state.
The APC has not yet issued an official statement, but the incident is expected to heighten the already charged atmosphere surrounding the local government elections in Rivers State.
The attack has been widely condemned by political figures and citizens alike, with many calling for a thorough investigation to prevent further violence.