The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the arrest and investigation of the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, Charles Wobodo, following an alleged attack on the convoy of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026, along the Omuanwa axis as Amaechi was travelling to his hometown, Ubima, to participate in party registration activities.
Leaders of the ADC made the demand while addressing journalists, reacting to statements by the council chairman regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Speaking during the briefing, the ADC State Chairman, Leader Bari, dismissed claims that members of the local vigilante group, OSPAC, were responsible for the road blockade. According to him, the individuals who obstructed the road were hoodlums and not members of any recognised security outfit.
“We passed through several communities and even saw some OSPAC members along the road, but they did not block the road. However, when we got to Omuanwa, the road was barricaded by people now being referred to as OSPAC members. From what we observed, they were clearly hoodlums,” Bari stated.
He further alleged that the attackers opened fire on security personnel escorting the former governor, forcing the officers to respond.
“They began shooting and the security operatives had to repel them. The DSS, the police and the Civil Defence should have detailed reports of what transpired,” he said.
Bari added that members of the convoy travelling behind Amaechi were subsequently attacked, resulting in the destruction of vehicles and the theft of personal belongings.
“Vehicles were vandalised, phones were stolen, and money was taken from our members. If anyone insists those individuals were OSPAC members, then it means they are defending criminals,” he said.
The ADC state chairman therefore urged security agencies to invite and investigate the Ikwerre Local Government chairman, arguing that as the chief security officer of the council area, he should have knowledge of the events that unfolded.
“We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS and other relevant security agencies to arrest and investigate the chairman of Ikwerre Local Government. As the chief security officer of the LGA, he should be able to provide useful information regarding the incident,” Bari added.
Also speaking at the briefing, Temple Chinedu, the ADC Chairman in Ikwerre Local Government Area, alleged that members of the party had been subjected to threats even before the incident occurred.
According to him, party officials had earlier received warnings that they would no longer be allowed to hold meetings within the local government area.
“In the early hours of March 6, we already sensed something could happen because we had been threatened and warned that ADC meetings would no longer be tolerated in Ikwerre,” he said.
Chinedu further claimed that previous attempts by the party to hold meetings in the area had been disrupted, leaving some members injured and their belongings stolen. He also alleged that the ADC secretariat in Ubima was attacked and set ablaze shortly before the incident involving the former governor’s convoy.
“By about 2 a.m., we received a call that the party office had been set on fire. When people went there to verify, they found the building already engulfed in flames,” he said.
The ADC has therefore called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged attack on Amaechi’s convoy, as well as earlier incidents involving party members and facilities in the area.
The party insists that security agencies should invite the Ikwerre Local Government chairman for questioning and ensure that anyone found responsible for the alleged attacks is brought to justice.
However, a day after the incident, Ikwerre LGA Chairman Charles Wobodo denied claims that hoodlums attacked Amaechi’s convoy. He maintained that the individuals involved were members of the local vigilante group, OSPAC, conducting routine security checks.
Wobodo further alleged that security personnel attached to Amaechi’s convoy fired at an OSPAC vehicle, destroying it and injuring one of its members.
He also denied any involvement in the alleged destruction of the ADC secretariat in Ubima, claiming that his personal findings indicated the incident may have resulted from internal disputes within the party in the local government area.
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