Policemen shot by vigilante as LG chairman stops Reps aspirant’s meeting in Anambra

There was sporadic shooting in Agbaja village, Abatete community of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday morning following the deployment of operatives of Agunechemba Security Outfit to stop a proposed stakeholders meeting.

Agbaja Civic Hall was the proposed venue for a stakeholders meeting to be hosted by Ifeanyi Ibezi, a former lawmaker, who planned to use the opportunity to declare his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.

Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, had on Saturday warned against holding the meeting, stating that the venue was unsafe. He threatened to arrest anyone who attended the event.

Meanwhile, security men deployed to the venue on Sunday morning condoned it off, attacking workers deployed there by Ibezi.

Ibezi who rushed to the scene to find out what the problem was, was immediately attacked by the operatives, leading to two security men attached to him being gunned down.

DAILY POST correspondent who rushed to the scene learnt that the operatives have been rushed to hospital. Our correspondent however met operatives of Agunechemba, who were still at the venue, denying everyone entry.

Our reporter was also threatened by the hooded operatives who ordered him and other journalists at the venue to leave of risk being shot.

Ibezi, who later spoke to journalists, said: “Two of my security men were shot and wounded. They have been taken to the hospital and are currently in the theatre.

“I was to hold a meeting in the hall today, and I wrote to stakeholders of Idemili North and South for a meeting today to discuss my aspiration to return to the House of Representatives. Everything was in place until I saw a purported letter on WhatsApp claiming I could not use the facility.

“By about 6 a.m. today, I got a call that a contingent of armed men had cordoned off the premises. When I arrived, I was confronted by security operatives and local vigilantes who said they were acting on the instruction of the local government chairman to stop the event.

“I immediately contacted the State Director of the Department of State Services, the Commissioner of Police, and other relevant authorities, including the governor. While I was on the phone, the shooting continued.

“It was in the course of the shooting that two of my policemen were shot. We have video evidence of everything that happened.

“I told my men to remain calm, not to respond or engage them. I am a law-abiding citizen and will not take the law into my hands.

“As of this morning, I have not been able to reach the mayor, and he has not returned my calls. The governor is aware and is making efforts to reach him too.”

It is however not clear why the council chairman decided to stop the meeting. However a source alleged that there is a tussle between Ibezi and the chairman over who the political leader of the area is. But Ibezi said it may be because the chairman is working as a coordinator for another aspirant and does not want to be challenged.

Efforts to reach the Idemili North chairman for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident through the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga. But Ikenga added that details are still sketchy.

Policemen shot by vigilante as LG chairman stops Reps aspirant’s meeting in Anambra