There is a heavy security presence in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, as two major events involving prominent political figures take place in the community on Saturday.

Security operatives have barricaded portions of the Omagwa-Ubima Road, where the burial ceremony of Dame Mary Oduah Amaechi, mother of former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, is being held alongside a civic reception organised for former Governor Nyesom Wike by the Rainbow Coalition.

The burial ceremony is slated to hold at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima while the civil reception is held at St Martins Anglican Church, Omagwa all in Ikwerre Local Government.

Despite the security measures, part of the road remains open to traffic, allowing motorists to move through the area.

The reason for the partial closure could not be immediately ascertained. However, the heightened security presence is coming amid the arrival of several prominent political leaders and dignitaries expected to attend the funeral activities in Ubima.

Among the dignitaries who have arrived in Rivers State are the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Also expected at the funeral are ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

The Rivers State ADC governorship candidate, Sir Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson, said he joined other party stakeholders to receive Atiku and other dignitaries who arrived in the state for the funeral.

Pidomson said the visitors were in Rivers State to identify with Amaechi, who is the ADC Vice Presidential Candidate, as well as members of the Amaechi family, friends, associates and well-wishers.

He described the late Dame Mary as a woman of faith, strength and dignity, saying her life and values contributed to the making of a leader who went on to serve Rivers State and Nigeria.

Pidomson, in a statement, welcomed the ADC leaders and other guests to Rivers State, while praying for the repose of the deceased and strength for the Amaechi family.

The simultaneous hosting of the funeral and the civic reception has drawn significant political attention to Omagwa, with increased movement of dignitaries and security personnel around the area.

The presence of senior political figures, including former governors, a former vice president and national leaders of the ADC, has also heightened interest in the events, which are taking place against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

For residents and motorists, however, the immediate concern has been the movement of traffic around the Omagwa-Ubima axis, with security personnel controlling access to portions of the road while maintaining passage through sections that remain open.