As the Rivers State local government election continues across the 23 local councils, reports of sporadic gunfire have emerged in Port Harcourt.
Unidentified individuals in a black Toyota Corolla were seen firing shots around the Wimpy area, not far from the residence of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
At the time of this report, there have been no casualties, and the police have yet to comment on the incident.
Earlier, an explosion occurred at the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat, led by Tony Okocha. The blast, which happened around 3:20 a.m., shattered the gate and doors of the secretariat.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed they are investigating two explosions that rocked Port Harcourt earlier today.
In a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the police acknowledged the explosion at the APC secretariat as well as another at the Rumuodumaya council headquarters in Obio/Akpor.
The statement also noted that the Command’s Explosive Ordinance Department has collected samples from both sites and is actively investigating the incidents.
Full statement below
POLICE PRESS RELEASE
BOMB EXPLOSION IN PORT HARCOURT
The Rivers State Police Command has been alerted to two explosions that rocked the city of Port Harcourt today, Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The first explosion was reported at the APC Secretariat on Aba Road at approximately 3:00 AM. A security guard reported hearing a loud bang and, upon investigation, observed three black Toyota Hilux vans speeding away from the scene. The explosion caused significant damage, destroying the gate and shattering the windows of the building. Additionally, the security building was set ablaze.
The second explosion occurred at the Obio/Akpor Council secretariat around 3:30 AM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a black Toyota Hilux van and a white Toyota Sienna minivan drive past the secretariat. The occupants of these vehicles allegedly threw an object, suspected to be a stick of dynamite, which shattered the roof and caused damage to the generator house of the complex.
In response to these incidents, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and Anti-Bomb Squad have been mobilized to both locations. An improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered at the APC secretariat, and the team has identified the use of incendiary materials in the arson of the security building.
The Anti-Bomb Squad has collected samples from both scenes for forensic analysis, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous acts. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
We assure the residents of Port Harcourt that every possible measure is being taken to enhance security and ensure the safety of our community.