By Divine Sam.
Fresh attack in Ezza North sparks concern as stakeholders urge Governor Nwifuru, security agencies and community leaders to intervene before political violence claims more lives.
Suspected political thugs have reportedly disrupted a peaceful gathering of members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Okposhi Ward, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, destroying chairs and canopies and forcing supporters to flee.
The incident reportedly occurred less than 48 hours after a separate attack on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South State Constituency, Mr Rollins Offia Nwali, which was said to have claimed two lives.
According to an eyewitness who spoke to journalists anonymously for security reasons, the latest incident happened while the APGA candidate for Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prince Emeka Irem, was paying a courtesy visit to his ward chairman.
The witness alleged that the attackers stormed the venue, vandalised chairs and canopies, and chased away party supporters who had gathered to welcome the candidate.
Describing the incident as unfortunate and barbaric, the source appealed to the Ebonyi State Government to take urgent steps to address the reported attacks on opposition party members in the Ezza clan. The source also faulted what was described as the government’s silence and called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene to prevent further violence.
“The violent disruption and attack led to several damages at the venue and created panic among supporters and ward members who had gathered peacefully to receive their son.
“This kind of barbaric act is not only an attack on Prince Emeka Irem but an attack on democracy and the peace-loving people of Okposhi Ward and Ezza North at large,” the eyewitness said.
The source insisted that political differences should be settled through democratic competition rather than intimidation and violence.
“We must understand that politics is not war. Every candidate has the right to visit his ward, his people and his chairman without fear of molestation.
“If anyone has a disagreement or a different political interest, the best way is to go to the ballot and not to the battlefield,” the source added.
The eyewitness further urged political stakeholders, youth leaders, security agencies and community elders in Ezza North to condemn the incident and work together to prevent a recurrence. The source also called on supporters to remain calm.
“We stand with Prince Emeka Irem and his team, and we appeal for calm. Let us remember that violence is not the best way.
“Let peace reign in Okposhi, let peace reign in Ezza North, and let peace reign in Ishielu Federal Constituency,” the source said.
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