A fire broke out at the Rivers State House of Assembly complex on Sunday night, following an explosion that was allegedly caused by some arsonists. The complex, which is located on Moscow Road, was targeted around 9:25 pm, according to Newsflash Nigeria.
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The attack occurred amid rumours of a plot by some lawmakers to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has been facing criticism from some quarters.
The motive behind the arson is still unclear, but some sources suggest that it could be linked to the political tension in the state.
The fire was quickly contained by the police operatives from the Rivers State Police Headquarters, who were stationed near the complex.
They were supported by over 50 Federal Security personnel, who arrived with over 17 security trucks and four Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC). The heavy security presence cordoned off the area and prevented any further damage.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the police intervention saved the complex from being completely destroyed.
He said that only a section of the complex was affected by the fire, and that no casualties were reported. He also said that the police had launched an investigation into the incident and would soon apprehend the perpetrators.
The Rivers State House of Assembly complex is one of the most important buildings in the state, as it hosts the legislative arm of the government. The complex has witnessed several attacks in the past, most notably in 2013, when a fight broke out among some lawmakers over the leadership of the assembly. The incident led to the suspension of the assembly for several months.
The latest attack has raised concerns over the security situation in the state, which has been plagued by violence and unrest in recent times.
The governor has appealed for calm and urged the people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He has also vowed to bring the culprits to justice and restore peace and order in the state.
