Police probe attack, burning of Rivers ADC member’s home

The Rivers State Police Command is investigating an incident involving an attack and fire at the family residence of Isaiah Thomas, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Omuoko village, Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area. Police Public Relations Officer Blessing Agabe confirmed the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire and the alleged attack.

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Yes. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire and alleged attack in that community.

Reports indicate that over five armed men stormed the village early Wednesday morning, proceeding directly to Thomas's family home. They demanded to see him, but upon discovering he was not present, they allegedly ransacked the residence. The assailants reportedly looted property belonging to the family and tenants before setting the building on fire and fleeing. The incident occurred just a day after official campaigns began for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

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They broke the house, set it on fire, and carried my mattress, television, fridge and generator. They broke other things, even my tap, and started shooting.

Thomas's mother, Uchechi, stated that the attackers were heavily armed and set several buildings within the family compound ablaze. She noted that household items were destroyed and that the assailants were specifically looking for her son, who had hosted a meeting of ADC members at the compound the previous day. While she could not identify the attackers, she understood the motive was related to her son's political activities and his party affiliation.

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This thing happened around 2 am on Wednesday. They came and knocked on my door. I asked who they were and they said they were security men, so I opened the door. They asked where my landlord was. I told them he was not around. They started breaking the windows and doors. They then set fire to the building and started shooting.

Tenants whose apartments and belongings were affected recounted their harrowing experiences. One tenant, who requested anonymity, described being woken by the assailants around 2 AM. After being deceived into opening his door, he witnessed the attackers breaking windows and doors before setting the building ablaze and firing shots. Another tenant operating a Point of Sale business reported being robbed of cash and having his property destroyed, leaving him and his family displaced.

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I operate a Point of Sale business. They took some of my money, and I have a four-month-old baby. The place is burnt, and we don’t have anywhere to go to.