By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a dramatic twist to the political unrest gripping Rivers State, the police have declared two senior officials of Ahoada-East Local Government Area wanted for allegedly masterminding a brutal attack on the council’s Sole Administrator, Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor.
The suspects—Mr. Hector Ekakita, Chief Security Officer of Ahoada-East, and Mr. Aloni Olodi, the Chief of Staff—were named in a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko. According to the police, the pair failed to honour formal invitations for questioning over the June 20 incident that nearly claimed the administrator’s life.
“The suspects are being declared wanted for criminal conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, stealing, and attempted murder,” SP Iringe-Koko said.
On the day of the attack, suspected thugs stormed the council secretariat in Ahoada, physically assaulted Iheanachor and the council secretary, and allegedly forced the administrator to sign a resignation letter under duress. His mobile phones, personal effects, and important documents were also reportedly stolen during the incident.
“The Sole Administrator continues to receive medical attention due to the injuries sustained during the attack,” the police spokesperson added.
Following the failure of the accused to report to the State Police Headquarters in Port Harcourt as previously directed, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, declared them wanted. He also warned that any individual or group found aiding or harbouring the suspects would face severe legal consequences.
The attack, which has drawn national concern, is seen as a symptom of the growing tension and power tussle among local government factions in the state. Many residents and civil society groups have since called for calm and the rule of law to prevail.
While the police continue their manhunt, authorities are appealing to the public to come forward with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to justice and ensuring public peace and safety,” SP Iringe-Koko said.