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The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Dr. Gabriel Pidomson, has visited Omuoko Community in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, following an alleged arson attack on an ADC chieftain, Mr. Isaiah Thomas.
Pidomson, accompanied by the Rivers State Chairman of the ADC, Chief Chukwudi Dimkpa, inspected the scene after the reported attack, which allegedly occurred on Tuesday night.
Thomas, the Chief Whip of the ADC in Ikwerre LGA and the party's Alternate Leader in Aluu, had earlier hosted party supporters at his residence on Tuesday. According to the party, the meeting ended peacefully without any incident.
The ADC, however, alleged that later that night, operatives of the Ikwerre OSPAC security outfit, reportedly led by its commander, Mr. Kingsley Wali, who also serves as Chief Security Officer of the Ikwerre Local Government Council, stormed the property.
The party claimed the operatives destroyed property, including rented chairs, assaulted Thomas' parents and tenants, looted valuables, and set the building housing the party chieftain, his family and tenants on fire.
While on his way out of Rivers State for an official engagement, Pidomson stopped at the scene to assess the damage and express solidarity with the victims.
He also lodged a formal complaint at the Aluu Divisional Police Headquarters over the incident.
Following the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Abdulsalam Modu, reportedly visited the scene alongside the state ADC chairman and other party officials for an on-the-spot assessment.
Condemning the incident, Pidomson vowed to pursue the matter through all lawful and constitutional means until justice is served.
He questioned the continued operation of the OSPAC security outfit in Ikwerre LGA, alleging that its activities violate the law.
The ADC candidate called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
He stressed that violence, intimidation and destruction of property have no place in a democratic society.
The allegations contained in the statement had not been independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the Ikwerre Local Government Council, OSPAC or the police regarding the claims.
