Ebonyi: Ezza Women, Youth protest failed assassination attempt on APGA Guber Candidate
From Chinedu Nwafor Abakaliki
Women and youth from different communities of Ezza clan in Ebonyi State on Saturday protested the alleged assassination attempt on the life of their illustrious son and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Professor Bernard Odoh, by unknown gunmen, Thursday night.
The convoy of the governorship hopeful was ambushed near Rest House, Okpoto, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State by hoodlums who killed his driver.
Two persons in the convoy also sustained gunshots injuries, five persons declared missing while his back-up Hilux van was set ablaze by the hoodlums.
Professor Odoh and many others in his campaign train, however, escaped unscathed.
He was returning from a campaign engagement alongside his supporters at Agba in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State around 7pm in the evening when the attack took place.
The attack has received a wide condemnation, even as many accused the state’s security outfit, Ebubeagu, of perpetrating the attack, but Ebonyi State government has countered the claim, describing it as a fabrication.
The women and youth who came out in their good numbers protested round the Onueke urban, headquarters of Ezza South LGA, to demonstrate their anger and condemnation of the attack and warned that nothing should happen to Professor Odoh.
They carried placards with various inscriptions such as “Disband Ebubeagu from Ebonyi State, we say no to political intimidation, no to political violence, Odoh is our Governor, don’t touch, APGA women are against the attack on Odoh, Don’t attack Professor Odoh again, attack on Odoh is an attack on Ebonyi people,” among others.
The leader of the group, Mrs Beatrice Nkwuda described the incessant attacks on Professor Odoh which she said, has occurred not more than three times in different parts of the State since the 2023 political campaign started, as undemocratic and barbaric.
“Professor Odoh should be allowed a level play ground to go about his campaign. We’re asking the Federal Government to ban Ebubeagu in Ebonyi State, they have done more harm than good. We call on civil society groups and people that matter to come to the aid of Ebonyi people”, she said.
Others who spoke including Mrs Elizabeth Nworie, Mrs Cynthia Nwokpoku and Mrs Victoria Nwali, also condemned the attacks on innocent people going about their lawful campaigns in the State.
In an earlier protest in Omege Umuezeokaohu community in Ezza North LGA, the hometown of Professor Odoh, some youth from the area and other Stakeholders including Messrs Benjamin Nwafor, Augustine Awaza, urged the State government to allow every political party a conducive environment to test their popularity before the electorate.END//
