Police give insights on how hoodlums attacked APP office with explosives in Rivers

The Rivers State Police have disclosed that the attackers who detonated an explosive at the state secretariat of the Action People’s Party (APP) in Port Harcourt arrived at the scene in a car.

Iringe-Koko said: “On August 12, 2024, at a 12:30a.m., the Rivers State Police Command received a distress call reporting a loud explosion at APP secretariat located in Tombia Extension, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt.

“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, and a team of tactical units with experts from the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD/Anti-Bomb) Squad were immediately mobilised to the scene to assess the situation.

“The team cordoned off the area and commenced Explosive Ordinance Disposal Procedures and search operations.

“The command’s EOD experts identified a crater created in front of the building, where the device was placed, causing shockwaves and damaging the glass of the windows and doors.

“Eyewitness around the time the explosion was heard revealed that a car had been parked a few metres from the APP secretariat and two men had alighted from the car, walked to the building and ignited the suspected device before throwing it at the secretariat. They then re-entered the vehicle and drove off.

“The discovery of a crater and other pieces of evidence as well as eyewitness accounts, indicate the detonation of an explosive device. Thankfully, no loss of life was recorded, but damage was done to the front of the building.

“Samples from the site of the explosion have been taken for further forensic investigation. Operatives of the command have been detailed to intensify efforts to investigate and apprehend all suspects involved in this incident.”

The police spokesperson, identified the prime suspect behind the explosion around Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, during a protest by anti-Fubara individuals in the state, as Mr. Preye Josiah.

Iringe-Koko noted that Josiah has been on police wanted list, adding that he was still hospitalised following the injuries he sustained when he blew up himself.

She said: “Regarding the previous explosion that occurred along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway on June 25, 2024, the arrested suspect, who sustained serious bodily injuries and has since been undergoing treatment has been identified as Preye Josiah, alias Metusah, aged 40 years and a native of Kabiama Community of Sagbama LGA.

“Preye, who has undergone three major surgeries and has made a significant recovery, will soon be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction after the investigations are completed.”