Explosions rock Rivers PDP Secretariat

Twin explosions from substances suspected to dynamite have rocked the Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State on Thursday afternoon.

The explosion, which sent party members scampering for safety, occurred about 3 pm during the councilorship primaries of the party.

Our correspondent gathered that the dynamite went off in a Sports Utility Vehicle parked in front of the secretariat located along the busy Aba Express Road.

At the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the explosion.

An eyewitness who preferred anonymity said, “There was panic today as two dynamites exploded during the Councillorship primaries of the PDP.

“I was at the party secretariat. The dynamite was detonated by suspected bombers in an SUV car along the Aba road office of the party secretariat at 3 pm.

“Party supporters who were seen around the secretariat to support their preferred candidates scampered for safety

“It is not, however, clear on the reason of the blast, but it might not be unconnected to allegations of imposition of candidates in some local government areas. But calm has returned to the secretariat.”

Efforts to reach the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Sydney Tambari, proved abortive as he failed to answer calls put across by our correspondent and also did not reply to a text message sent to his mobile phone.

When contacted, the spokesman for the State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, promised to find out and get back to our correspondent.