The family residence of an African Democratic Congress, ADC, member, Isaiah Thomas, in Aluu community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, has been attacked and set ablaze by unknown assailants.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, barely a day after campaigns officially commenced for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
Thomas’ mother, Uchechi Thomas, who spoke to journalists, alleged that the attackers arrived in large numbers and were armed with guns.
She said the assailants set some buildings within the family compound on fire and destroyed household property during the attack.
According to her, the attackers appeared to be searching for her son after he hosted a meeting involving ADC members at the family residence on Tuesday.
She said “the identities of those behind the attack are not known.”
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, condemned the attack and described the development as disturbing.
Wobodo said he immediately deployed the council’s Chief Security Officer to the community to assess the situation after receiving reports of the incident.
He assured residents that the council would collaborate with security agencies to identify those responsible for the attack and ensure that they face justice.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine the cause of the incident.
The attack has heightened concerns over the safety of political actors and supporters as campaigns for the 2027 elections gather momentum across the country.
The police investigation is intended to establish the fire’s cause, while the attackers’ identities and motive remain unresolved, making the reported timing after an ADC meeting and the possible political implications central to interpreting the incident.
