Many Injured As Ebubeagu Allegedly Attack Labour Party Supporters In Ebonyi

There have apparently been several injuries among Labour Party (LP) members in Ebonyi State as a result of an alleged gunman attack on party supporters during a gathering in Okposi, Ohaozara Local Government Area (LGA), in that state.

The shooters, according to LP, were members of the Southeast Security Outfit’s Ebonyi Command, also known under the codename Ebubeagu.

According to David Ogbonna, LP House of Assembly candidate for the Ohaozara East Constituency, the gunmen fired at the party supporters and injured them in varied degrees.

He alleged that they were led by the Chairman of Ohaozara LGA, Consider Ajah.

Among others, Mr Ogbonna in a statement said:

“Yesterday (Saturday), as party faithful gathered at our (Labour Party) office at Mgbom-Okposi, waiting for the arrival of the Labour Party Candidate for Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo federal constituency – Nkemkanma Kama, the men of Ebubeagu Security Network led by Ohaozara Local Government Chairman invaded the venue.

“As they entered the venue, our campaign office, our supporters on the road waiting for our arrival erroneously thought we were the ones possibly because of the exotic car of the Local Government Chairman.

“They rushed to warmly welcome ‘us’ only to meet young men numbering over 40 wielding all kinds of automatic guns who came down from the fully loaded Toyota Hiace Bus and Sienna buses and opened fire on Innocent people. They shot at the people and chased both men and women at the venue, making efforts to apprehend as many as they could.”

Three people have reportedly been shot in the legs, according to Mr. Ogbonna; one had his femur (the thigh bone) broken and had been brought to an orthopedic facility.

“As at this morning of 13th November 2022 (yesterday), three of our supporters from Uburu who came with Labour Party Candidate of Ohaozara West are yet to reach home and their phones have not been reached. We are yet to establish a contact with the Personal Assistant, PA, of Labour Party Candidate for Ohaozara East Constituency. His phone has not been reached since he ran away from the event venue yesterday (Saturday).

“Two of our supporters from Ugwulangwu are yet to reach home and their phones not reachable. Six women supporters from Ugwulangwu and one of our women leaders from Okposi who ran for their lives yesterday in the process lost their handbags containing phones and other valuables including cash.

“One of women supporters from Okposi who was pursued, fell head-down on her way to safety and has remained unconscious. However, Doctor confirmed she’s still alive.”

Additionally, according to Mr. Ogbomna, “all canopies, tables, and chairs at the event were severely destroyed. The Ebubeagu fired shots at the DJ’s music box (speakers), nearly irreversibly destroying them and even seizing part of his equipment. Drums belonging to the Afikpo Cultural Women Dancers were confiscated and some were destroyed.

“The drum boxes of the drummers who were on the road waiting for us were destroyed and drummers beaten mercilessly. As at yesterday night, three of supporters from Ugwulangwu reported that operatives of Ebubeagu visited their compounds asking after them. As we write now, they have relocated out the community for fear of their lives.”