Atleast three persons have been reported killed by gunmen that attacked the home of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Ideato North and South Federal constituency, Ikenga Ugochinyere, in Imo State.
Among victims of the attack that lasted for several minutes in Akokwa Ideato North Local Government , was the uncle to Ugochinyere, who was identified as Dan.
Aside from the victims, the gunmen also set ablaze several vehicles parked within home of Ugochinyere, who is also the spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).
According to Ugochinyere in a seemingly distressed message on social media on Saturday, said: “We need help in Akokwa Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State. My uncle has been killed now. They are setting everything on fire. Please help”.
In a video footage obtained on social media, bodies of victims were seen on the floor, burnt houses, and campaign materials at Ugochinyere’s country home.
From the video, a man who was narrating the incident, said several vehicles had been destroyed, and Ikenga’s house razed.
“They have destroyed his house, they have destroyed his vehicle, at his compound here in Akokwa. They came with arms and guns, they killed one of his security (men), they shot so many people; happening right now at Ikenga’s compound,” the voice narrated.
Earlier, the National Co-Spokesman for CUPP, Mark Adebayo, had alleged that his colleague’s house was surrounded and being shot at while he and his supporters were under serious gun attacks.
Also, the PDP chapter in the state, through a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Collins Opuruozor, read, “Imo PDP Alerts Security Agencies, Nigerians, International Community To Sponsored Killings, Arson Going On At the Akokwa Residence of Ikenga Ugochinyere, PDP Candidate For Ideato Federal Constituency.
“The PDP in Imo State alerts that, at the moment, there is a well-coordinated armed attack going on at the Akokwa residence of Ikenga Ugochinyere, the candidate of our party for Ideato North/South Federal Constituency.
“This has resulted in the killing of undisclosed number of persons. Also, buildings are reported to have been set ablaze.
“Our efforts to get back to our candidate, Ugochinyere, who was present at his residence when this attack began and who had personally alerted us to the attack, has proven abortive. However, a torrent of messages, a while ago, from Ikenga’s close aides bore some deeply pathetic lines like: “Everywhere is on fire! They are killing us! We are going!”
“Imo PDP calls on security agencies to immediately intervene and quell the attack on our candidate and our party members at his residence in Akokwa.
“Nigerians and international community are to recall that on December 23, 2022, there was an attack on the convoy of our candidate by clearly-identified agents of the Imo State Government. It is shocking that despite our demand for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in that onslaught, nothing has been done by security till this moment.
“Today represents a dark day for us in Imo PDP and Imo State at large.”
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