How gunmen attacked APC candidate in Patience Jonathan's town

Tuesday, February 17, 2015 5:45 pm

file photo of previously bombed venue.

For the second time this year, improvised explosives exploded on Tuesday at the venue of the campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Okrika, Rivers State forcing the governorship candidate of the party, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, as well as other party chiefs and supporters to scamper from the venue.

Okrika is the town where Patience Jonathan, the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, hails from.

•Dakuku Peterside, APC, Governorship candidate: escaped gun shots, bombs

Weeks ago, a venue already prepared for same rally had been bombed minutes before the rally would commence.

On Tuesday, three explosions had occurred at the entrance to the Okrika National Secondary School field, venue of the rally causing initial stampede, but this was later said to be fireworks to calm the party supporters. When the tension subsided, the rally kick-started.

But midway, gunmen stormed the venue and began shooting sporadically.

Peterside and other top party members were whisked away by security operatives while the chaos lasted and people ran for their lives.

A police officer reportedly died, while four other persons were injured. A news reporter covering the event was stabbed.