The Rivers State Police Command verified that two distinct explosions happened across the state on Saturday.
According to reports, the first explosion occurred at the All Progressives Congress Secretariat on Aba Road, while the second struck the Obio/Akpor Local Government Secretariat just outside Port Harcourt.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the State Police Command, indicated in a press release that the two explosions occurred virtually simultaneously.
Iringe-Koko further stated that police units responded quickly, visiting the location and collecting samples for examination.
Meanwhile, polls in the state have ended in many places, although others were disrupted by armed men dressed in police uniforms and others suspected of being political thugs.
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 Anti-Bomb Squad took samples from both places for forensic processing, and investigations are still underway to find the culprits of these horrible acts. We advise the people to be watchful and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
“We assure the residents of Port Harcourt that every possible measure is being taken to enhance security and ensure the safety of our community.”
