Ahoada East, Nigeria — The Rivers State Police Command is investigating an assault involving Goodluck Iheanachor, the Chief Security Officer and Chief of Staff to the Ahoada East Local Government Administrator. Iheanachor was reportedly attacked by a group of individuals in an incident that has drawn significant public attention and raised security concerns in the area.
The situation escalated after a resignation letter, allegedly signed by Iheanachor, surfaced online, suggesting he had stepped down from his position. Following this, a video emerged depicting him being assaulted by a crowd of unidentified individuals while being coerced to sign documents against his will. The police have condemned the attack, asserting that it was orchestrated by individuals allegedly linked to Iheanachor’s administration.
According to a police statement, a group of over 30 assailants stormed the council secretariat, physically assaulting Iheanachor and stealing several of his personal belongings, including mobile devices and official documents. The violence inflicted upon him necessitated medical attention, and he was hospitalized following the encounter.
The Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a troubling example of escalating lawlessness. A formal investigation is underway, with heads of various security agencies joining in the efforts.
On June 20, the police reported that the chief instigators of the attack, including the Chief Security Officer and the Chief of Staff to Iheanachor, have been ordered to report to the State Police Headquarters in Port Harcourt for questioning. The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, emphasized that failure to comply would result in severe consequences, reinforcing the commitment of law enforcement to uphold public safety.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and to assist authorities in their ongoing efforts to restore order. The police reiterated their dedication to ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
This incident occurs amid heightened tensions in Rivers State, which has recently faced political upheaval. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declare a state of emergency in response to attacks on oil facilities has intensified the focus on security in the region. Iheanachor, one of the administrators appointed following the regime change, now finds himself at the center of a violent political landscape.
The situation remains fluid, and the authorities continue to gather information as they seek to address the underlying issues contributing to the unrest.