The Rivers State Police Command is investigating two explosions that shook Port Harcourt in the early hours of Saturday during local government elections.
In a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, it was confirmed that the first explosion occurred at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat on Aba Road around 3:00 AM. A security guard reported hearing a loud bang and, upon investigation, noticed three black Toyota Hilux vans speeding away from the scene.
The explosion caused substantial damage, destroying the gate and shattering the windows of the building. The security structure on site was also set ablaze. Approximately 30 minutes later, a second explosion was reported at the Obio/Akpor Council secretariat. Eyewitnesses claimed that a black Toyota Hilux and a white Toyota Sienna drove past the secretariat, with occupants allegedly throwing an object believed to be a stick of dynamite that shattered the roof and damaged the generator house.
In response to these alarming incidents, the police mobilized their Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and Anti-Bomb Squad teams to both locations. Authorities reported recovering an improvised explosive device (IED) at the APC secretariat, along with evidence suggesting incendiary materials were used in the arson of the security building. Samples have been collected from both sites for further investigation.
The chairman of the APC in Rivers State Tony Okocha , recounted the events, blaming the attacks on the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Okocha described how armed assailants targeted the secretariat, stating, “Is the APC secretariat here any voting unit? There is no voting unit here. So, it was deliberate to see how they can annihilate us, it is deliberate to see how they can embarrass us, it is deliberate to see how they can decimate us.”
The police continue to investigate the incidents, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community during this critical electoral period.
