Gunmen Attack CUPP Spokesman’s Residence, Assassinate Three, Adeyanju Reacts

Unknown gunmen on Saturday attacked the country home of the spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, killing three persons and injuring others.

Naija News understands that the yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate’s residence at about 3:00 pm, opening fire on anything in sight.

The gunmen, who are alleged to have been sent by political opponents, also set ablaze vehicles parked in the compound.

One of the person’s killed is said to be an uncle to Ugochinyere.

Ugochinyere, candidate of the PDP for Ideato Federal Constituency, had reportedly escaped assassination about a month ago when some yet-to-be-arrested gunmen carried out an attack on his convoy.

The police in the state were yet to issue statement on the incident as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the convener, Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, who first raised an alarm over the attack on Twitter, vehemently condemned the attack on Ugochinyere’s home.

In a statement to newsmen on Saturday night, Adeyanju described the attack as barbaric and inhuman.

He said: “I condemn the inhumane attack targeted at Mr Ikenga Ugochinyere in Akokwa, Imo state today leading to loss of lives of his family members and destruction of his properties.

“The perpetrators of this atrocious act are no doubt barbarians. They are unworthy to be left to dwell among humans. It is saddening that they have allowed their basic human rationality to be spun over a penny by those who are supposed to uphold law and order.

“My suspicion is that governor Hope Uzodinma is behind this attack as Ikenga had alerted the public to numerous threats to his life by associates of the Imo State governor.

“This seismic event is a blatant mockery of Law and Order. It is also a convenient indication that our police are indeed letting evil bloodthirsty politicians thrive. They seem to earn their protection over a helpless Nigerian citizen.”

He stated that the unreactive attitude of the Nigerian Police Force to protect and investigate the initial death threat on Ikenga has to be the height of dereliction of duty in the history of policing.

Adeyanju said: “The porous Nigerian Policing System begs for urgent reformation, otherwise, the likes of the occurrence will gradually become a norm in the society.

“It is not out of place to say that no human deserves to die because a particular government wants to keep reigning. No property deserves to be arsoned because someone do not agree with the works of a particular administration.

“Respect for Law and Order is a civic duty that must be conscientiously observed by all and sundry. Authorities should desist from using their constitutionally given powers to perpetrate vices on the unprovoking citizens.”

The political activist called on security agencies to fish out and deal with the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“I deeply sympathise with Mr Ikenga for the loss of his loved ones.

“The act of torching on his properties is also heartfelt. I pray God grants him the fortitude to bear the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him”, he added.