POLICE BEGIN INVESTIGATION AS POLITICAL CLASH CLAIMS FOUR LIVES, APC CHAIRMAN’S HOUSE IN EBONYI COMMUNITY

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Four persons, including a policeman, are feared dead as rival political groups clashed in Ekoli Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The Security Consultant to the state government, Chief Stanley Okoroemegha, confirmed the development noting that the crisis also affected his house, which was set ablaze while another was touched by suspected miscreants.

Chief Emegha who is also the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ebonyi State alleged that the miscreants also burnt Police Sienna Bus while his Hilux was driven away.

An Eyewitness told Radio Nigeria that trouble started when Ebubeagu Security Operatives attached to Chief Emegha allegedly clashed with some youths loyal to a big politician in the area during which one of them was killed.

The development was said to have triggered reprisal attack as the youth allegedly swooped on the residence of the APC Chairman and set it ablaze.

A brother to one of the victims, Mr. Kalu Egwu described the killing of his brother as senseless and urged police to fish out the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Police Command in Ebonyi State has launched investigations into what it described as apparent struggle for political supremacy in Ekoli Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area that has claimed lives and property.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Chris Anyanwu, explained that the crisis involved the loyalists of APC Chairman in the state, Chief Stanley Okoroemegha and former Chairman of the Council Area, Mr. Eni Uduma Chima.

It further stated that there was an open shoot out between the operatives of Ebubeagu attached to Chief Emegha and youths who were loyal to Dr. Chima, which resluted in the death of three persons including the younger brother of Chief Emegha and a police Inspector.

The PPRO explained that the two political gladiators had been placed on protective custody while the remains of the three victims had been evacuated to the mortuary.

Radio Nigeria also gathered that there was massive deployment of security men to the area to restore law and order.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU