Just In: Gunshots In Port Harcourt During Rivers LG Election

As the Rivers State local government election progresses across the 23 Local Government Councils of the state, there were reports of sporadic gunshots in Port Harcourt.

Some unidentified individuals in a black Toyota Corolla vehicle were seen firing gunshots around the Wimpy area, not very far from the home of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

As of the time of filing this report, there is no report of any casualties and the police have yet to comment on the incident.

Explosion had earlier rocked the secretariat of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress led by Tony Okocha.

The gate of the secretariat and the doors were shattered by the explosion which happened around 3:20am.

The Rivers state Police Command has said they are investigating 2 explosions that rocked the city of Port Harcourt in the early hours of today.

In a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police acknowledged the explosion at the Rivers APC secretariat and another one at Rumuodumaya, the council headquarters of Obio/Akpor.

The statement further added that the Command’s Explosive Ordinance Department have collected samples from both sites and are actively investigating the situation.

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.