APP Secretariat in Port Harcourt Attacked Again, Security Guard Shot by Unidentified Gunmen

Unidentified gunmen have struck the Action People’s Party (APP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, shooting a security guard in a brazen attack that has left the party and its members reeling.

This incident, which occurred on Wednesday, follows closely on the heels of a bombing at the same location just a month prior, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of the party’s operations in the area.

The state chairman of the APP, Sunny Wokekoro, addressed journalists at the scene, expressing shock and dismay over the latest attack. According to Wokekoro, details surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and the motives of the assailants are still unknown.

The injured security guard, whose name has not been disclosed, is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

The severity of his injuries has not been fully reported, but he is said to be in a stable condition under the care of medical professionals.

Wokekoro lamented the lack of updates from the police, noting that officers were deployed to the secretariat following last month’s bombing, yet no significant progress seems to have been made in identifying or apprehending the perpetrators of either attack.

He expressed frustration with the police response, stating, “It is deeply concerning that despite the presence of law enforcement after the bombing, we have yet to receive any briefing or reassurance from the authorities regarding these violent acts against our party.”

The recent shooting has intensified fears among APP members and supporters, who are increasingly worried about the escalating violence targeting the party.

Wokekoro voiced his concern over the ongoing threats, emphasising that the repeated attacks seem to be aimed at destabilising the party ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

He urged the police to expedite their investigations and bring the culprits to justice, stressing the importance of ensuring a safe environment for the party’s activities.

Despite these challenges, Wokekoro reaffirmed the party’s resilience and commitment to moving forward with their political agenda.

“These attacks will not deter us,” he declared. “We are steadfast in our mission and will continue our preparations for the local government elections next month.

We refuse to be intimidated by those who seek to silence our voices and disrupt our democratic process.”

To further highlight the gravity of the situation, Wokekoro and other APP leaders escorted journalists to the hospital where the wounded security guard was being treated.

This visit was intended to demonstrate the real and personal impact of the violence on the party’s members and to appeal for increased public and governmental support in addressing these threats.

The APP has called on the Rivers State government and security agencies to enhance security measures around political party offices and to take decisive action against those responsible for these attacks.

The party also urged other political entities and civil society organisations to condemn the violence and join in the call for a peaceful political climate as the election season approaches.

This recent spate of attacks has also sparked wider conversations about the security challenges facing political parties in Nigeria, particularly in regions where political competition is fierce and sometimes hostile.

Political analysts have noted that the rising tensions could undermine the democratic process if not swiftly and effectively addressed by the authorities.

The bombing of the APP secretariat last month, followed by this week’s shooting, highlights a disturbing pattern of targeted violence that many fear could escalate if left unchecked.

With the local government elections on the horizon, there is growing apprehension about the potential for further incidents that could disrupt the electoral process and pose risks to both party members and the electorate.

Wokekoro concluded his address with a call for calm and vigilance among party members, while also appealing to the broader community for support.

“We must remain vigilant but not fearful,” he said. “Our resolve is stronger than any act of violence against us. We stand united in our pursuit of justice and democracy.”

As the APP and other parties gear up for the elections, the focus now turns to how security agencies will respond to these attacks and what measures will be put in place to protect political party operations and ensure a peaceful election period in Rivers State.

The APP’s determination to continue its political activities, despite the violence, serves as a stark reminder of the resilience and courage that underpin Nigeria’s democratic spirit.