Attack on Ebonyi APGA guber candidate: injured policeman dies, party mourns

*** APGA says another supporter killed by gunmen  

From Chinedu Nwafor Abakaliki

Inspector Ibrahim Kudu, a Police Inspector who was shot on the chest during the attack on the APGA Governorship candidate in Ebonyi, Professor Benard Odoh last week’s Thursday night, has died at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, where he was receiving treatment.

Late Inspt. Kudu, a native of Niger State was working at Special Protection Unit, Base 4, PortHarcourt, before he was assigned to protect Prof Odoh.

The brave officer, it was gathered,  demonstrated gallantry that led to the escape of his boss, Prof Odoh,  during the alleged assassination attempt on him.

The slain Officer, it was further learnt, was shot on his chest while trying to smuggle the APGA Guber Candidate out of the scene of the bloody attack.

Recall that the Convoy of APGA Guber Candidate in Ebonyi State, Prof Benard Odoh, was ambushed by armed men last Thursday night, near Rest House, Okpoto in Ishielu LGA of the State, killing his driver, Mr Boniface Ogbonna, who is a Civil Defense Officer.

Mr Kudu who died Monday morning was among those fatally injured during the attack.

Meanwhile, the Odohzhia Ebonyi Campaign council, the APGA campaign platform, has mourned the death of Mr Kudu.

Mr Charles Otu, Director, Media and Publicity of APGA in a statement on Monday, said the late Police Inspector died from injuries he sustained during the gun duel with assassins who attacked the convoy of our Gubernatorial candidate.

Mr Otu said the body of Mr Kudu would be laid to rest today, Monday, according to Muslim rites in his home State.

The statement reads: The Odohzhia Ebonyi Campaign council, regrets to officially announce the passing away of Inspector Ibrahim Kudu, a Police Inspector who was shot on the chest during the attack on the APGA Governorship candidate in Ebonyi, Professor Benard Odoh last week’s Thursday night.

“He died earlier today at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, AE-FUTHA from injuries he sustained during the gun duel with assassins who attacked the convoy of our Gubernatorial candidate while on his way back from a campaign rally in Ezzaegu, Ishielu Local Government Area of the State.

“Kudu, a native of Niger State and a devote Muslim was posted to Professor Odoh from the Special Protection Unit, SPU, Base 4 Portharcourt, Rivers State. 

“His body will be laid to rest today according to Muslim rites in his home State.”

Also, the APGA campaign council has accused the Ebubeagu Security, of killing on Elom Oscar, a member of the party from Ndiagu orie, UmuOgudu Akpu Ngbo community, Ohaukwu LGA of the State.

According to the Council’s spokesman, Mr Charles Otu, the victim was shot by armed Ebubeagu operatives who rode on a branded APC Sienna vehicle.

“Meantime, operatives of Ebubeagu Security Network in Ohaukwu LGA has shot and killed one Elom Oscar  Chinonso, a native of Ndiagu orie, UmuOgudu Akpu Ngbo community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State. The young business man was reportedly killed in his shop.

“A member and an ardent supporter of APGA from the area who spoke about the ugly incident said the victim was shot by armed Ebubeagu operatives who rode on a branded APC Sienna vehicle.

“Again, our hearts are severely grieved that the Ebonyi State APC government under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi has continued on it’s mute mode while watching rampaging Ebubeagu militia kill innocent citizens of our dear State all for power grabbing.

“While calling on the Police authorities to now expedite action in arresting those who attacked our Governorship candidate’s convoy to speedy justice, we also reiterate our persistent calls on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba to bring his words to effect that all deadly quasi security outfit like Ebubeagu will not feature or partake in the activities leading to and during and after the February 25th and March 11th general elections in Nigeria.

“For us, this is one attack, too many. May the souls of the faithfully-departed rest in the bossom of the Lord”, the statement added.

Speaking, the State Security Consultant, Mr Stanley Okoro-Emegha, frowned at what he described an ugly trend whereby every killing or violent incident that occured in any part of the State is linked to Ebubeagu, and warned people to desist henceforth,as the agency would no longer hasitate to test the allegations in the courts of competent jurisdictions.