TENSION MOUNTS AS THUGS MURDER ONE IN A POLITICAL MEETING IN EBONYI

Police in Ebonyi State have arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged killing of one Elias Nwankwegu at a political event at Central Primary School Nwofe in Izzi Local Government Area of the State.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the victim was allegedly lured to the venue where he was shot dead by suspected political thugs.

Investigations reveal that the victim, Mr. Elias Nwankwoegu also known as Okirika was called on phone to attend a political rally as he had been shortlisted among those who would be presented with a motorcycle as part of their economic empowerment.

When he arrived at the venue, he was taken into one of the class room blocks in the school where he was allegedly seized by a three man gang who shot him twice on his chest before abandoning him in his pool of blood.

An eyewitness, Mr. Marcel Mbam, told Radio Nigeria that the incident occurred before the arrival of the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Francis Nwifuru who was expected to address the rally.

The Wife of the victim, Mrs. Uzoma Nwankwoegu, and his Uncle, Mr. George Nwankwoegu, described the killing as politically motivated but noted that the family would not take laws into its hand rather wait for security agencies to fish out the killers.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Mrs. Loveth Odah, said while one Emmanuel Nwofe had been arrested as a prime suspect, the Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr. Titus Lamorde had ordered for full investigation into the matter.

In a reaction, the Media and Protocol officer to the Speaker, Mr. Tony Nwizi said the event in question was not a political rally but a ward meeting, which the Speaker was invited to attend by political stakeholders in the ward.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the incident had been raising tension in the village of the deceased, Igwekaenyim Agbaja Izzi, as his people demanded immediate return of his remains and arrest of his killers.

AMECHI ODO