The Coalition of United Political Parties ( CUPP) has demanded a thorough investigation into the attack of its spokesman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere’s country home.
Gunmen numbering about 50 had attacked Ugochinyere, in his country home of Akokwa, Ideato North local government area of Imo State on Saturday afternoon.
Ugochinyere’s uncle, Ikeagwuonu, was shot dead and several others fatally wounded in the attack.
In a press conference in Abuja yesterday, deputy spokesman of CUPP, Mark Adebayo said they are holding the Imo State government responsible for the attack.
According to him, all Nigerians know Ikenga to be a promoter of peace, a defender of justice and an advocate for fairness and equity in this country.
He said Ikenga has enriched our democratic development by being the voice and the face of a robust and responsible opposition constantly calling our collective attention to what must not go wrong with our country and democracy.
He said, “That the Inspector-General of Police order the immediate arrest and thorough investigation of Mr. Chinasa who threatened Barrister Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere three weeks ago as the number one suspect in this horrific attack.
“The Nigeria Police ensure that all the perpetrators of this heinous crime get arrested quickly for immediate prosecution and necessary punishment as stipulated by law.
“We demand adequate security for Ikenga Ugochinyere and other opposition wherever he goes in continuation of his lawful campaign activities.”
It was gathered that the attackers who struck on Saturday killed Ugochinyere’s uncle who is the PDP candidate for Ideato South and Ideato North federal constituency.
Eyewitnesses said campaign vehicles belonging to the candidate were set ablaze by the invaders during the attack at Akokwa community.
Ugochimyere had called for help via his Twitter handle while the attack was on with these words, “Emergency, we need help in Akokwa.. we are under attack in my house in Akokwa.. they have surrounded it and opened fire. We are under attack. Help, help.
In a statement by the PDP issued by the spokesperson, Collins Opuruozor read; “Imo PDP alerts security agencies, Nigerians, international community to sponsored killings, arson going on at the Akokwa residence of Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, PDP candidate For Ideato Federal Constituency
“This has resulted in the killing of an undisclosed number of persons. Also, buildings are reported to have been set ablaze.
“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 the security till this moment.
“Today represents a dark day for us in Imo PDP and Imo State at large.”
