The Rivers State Police Command has revealed that the perpetrators behind the recent explosion at the Action People’s Party (APP) secretariat in Port Harcourt arrived at the scene in a vehicle. The incident was confirmed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko.
According to Iringe-Koko, the attackers were two young men who stepped out of the vehicle and detonated an explosive device at the party’s headquarters.
“On August 12, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., we received a distress call reporting a loud explosion at the APP secretariat located on Tombia Extension, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt,” Iringe-Koko stated.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police and a team of tactical units, including experts from the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD/Anti-Bomb) Squad, were immediately dispatched to the scene. The area was cordoned off as the team initiated Explosive Ordinance Disposal Procedures and search operations.
The EOD team discovered a crater in front of the building, which indicated where the explosive device had been placed. The explosion caused shockwaves that shattered the windows and doors of the building.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a car parked a few meters from the APP secretariat shortly before the explosion. Two men were seen exiting the vehicle, approaching the building, and igniting a device before hurling it at the secretariat. They then re-entered the car and fled the scene.
“Thankfully, no lives were lost, though the building’s front sustained damage,” Iringe-Koko added.
“Samples from the site have been collected for further forensic investigation, and efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible for the attack.”
In a related development, Iringe-Koko identified the prime suspect behind a previous explosion near Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, during a protest by anti-Fubara individuals, as Preye Josiah. Josiah, who had been on the police wanted list, was severely injured when the device he was handling detonated.
“Preye Josiah, also known as Metusah, a 40-year-old native of Kabiama Community in Sagbama LGA, sustained serious injuries in the June 25, 2024, explosion along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway,” Iringe-Koko explained.
“After undergoing three major surgeries, he has made significant recovery and will soon face charges in court once investigations are completed.”
