BREAKING: BOMB BLAST AT APC CAMPAIN IN OKRIKA RIVERS STATE

Reports reaching us say three improvised explosive devices have gone off close to the rally ground of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okrika, Rivers State.

According to ChannelsTV, this has caused a stampede at the venue of the rally, as people gathering for the rally scampered for safety.

A reporter from the TV station, Charles Eruka, who was presently on ground at the venue was seen on Live TV lying down while giving situation reports.

He said, while lying down:

“We were at the National Secondary School when we heard series of explosions but when the crowd had the confidence to return because security agents had taken control of the situation

“But when the gunshots started, of course everybody took their heels. But we are still here trying to find out what is going on. We can’t see the shooters apart from armed security personnel. But we can hear gunfire in the background behind the buildings here.

“The security agents are trying to make sure that people are whisked to safety. Some of the things that were left behind at the VIP areas are also being carried away to safety. The security agents have secured those in the VIP stand while most of us are lying on the floor.”

The station was actually billed to broadcast the rally live. It is not clear while the reporter was lying on the floor, but reports say there were sporadic shootings after the explosions went off.

Unknown gunmen were said to have stormed the venue after the explosion and started shooting sporadically. The governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, was whisked away by security operatives as the gunshots rented the air at the campaign ground at the Okrika National Secondary School Field.

The party supporters, in their numbers, had gathered at the venue  and were waiting for the leaders of the party in the state to arrive the venue of the rally.

The explosion had caused an abrupt end to the proposed rally, but party chieftains decided to go on with the rally before the gunshots incident finally brough the rally to an end.

According to the BBC Africa, the APC says fifty people have been injured in a blast. Several Improvised Explosive Devices went off close to the rally ground of the All Progressives Congress Party.

According to a Daily Post reporter, the gunmen invaded the venue through the creeks in gunboats.
Witnesses told the DP correspondent that the number of casualties will most likely be very high. Those interviewed also expressed suspicions that the opposition party in the state might be culpable, also, “don’t forget the fact that ex-militant leader, Ateke Tom, is from Okrika and has never hidden his tough stance against the ruling APC.”

Okirika is the home of Nigeria’s first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.