Police probe burning of ADC member’s family residence in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged attack and the subsequent burning of the family residence belonging to Isaiah Madubochi, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The incident took place in Omuoko village, Aluu, within the Ikwerre Local Government Area, in the early hours of Wednesday.

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

This attack occurred just 24 hours after the official commencement of political campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections. According to reports, more than five armed individuals stormed Madubochi's residence, demanding to see him. As he was not present, the assailants allegedly ransacked the compound, looted property belonging to the family and tenants, and then set parts of the building on fire before fleeing the scene.

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They asked why my son did not join them instead of joining another party. They broke the house, set fire, carried my mattress, my television, fridge and generator, and started shooting.

Madubochi's mother, Uchechi, stated that the attackers were searching for her son, apparently angered by his decision to host an ADC meeting at the family compound the previous day instead of joining another party. She recounted how they broke into the house, set fire to it, and stole items including her mattress, television, fridge, and generator, while also discharging firearms.

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I have a four-month-old baby. I didn’t sleep. The place is burnt and we don’t have anywhere to go to.

A tenant, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed the attackers identified themselves as security personnel to gain entry. Another tenant operating a Point of Sale business reported that the assailants stole money and assaulted family members. The Chairman of the Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Nwobodo, condemned the incident, calling any politically motivated violence unacceptable. The ADC's state publicity secretary, Chizi Enyi, described the event as a targeted attack on party members exercising their constitutional rights and urged a swift investigation by security agencies.

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If it is political according to them, I totally condemn that, where our people will lose their houses and other properties in the name of politics. That is unacceptable in Ikwerre Local Government.