The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, noted that the incident happened almost simultaneously
As tensions heighten in Rivers State over conduct of local government elections, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that two explosions rocked the state on Saturday.
According to the police, the first explosion took place at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat along Aba Road, while the second struck the Obio/Akpor Local Government Secretariat, just outside Port Harcourt.
The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, noted that the incident happened almost simultaneously.
Iringe-Koko stated that the police visited the scene while collecting samples for investigation.
The statement read: “The Rivers State Police Command was alerted to two explosions that rocked the city of Port Harcourt on Saturday, 5 October 2024.”
“The first explosion was reported at the APC Secretariat on Aba Road at approximately 3:00 AM. A security guard heard 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, shattering the windows, and setting the security building on fire.”
“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 allegedly threw an object, suspected to be a stick of dynamite, which shattered the roof and damaged the generator house of the complex.
“In response to these incidents, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Anti-Bomb Squad were mobilised to both locations.
“An improvised explosive device was recovered at the APC Secretariat, and the team identified the use of incendiary materials in the arson of the security building.” the police statement read.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that there was explosion at the All Progressives Congress secretariat in Rivers state as controversy thickened around the local government elections in the state.