From Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki
Police in Ebonyi State have confirmed the attack on the convoy of the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the state, Prof. Benard Odoh.
Gunmen had on Thursday evening attacked the convoy of the former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government while returning from campaign, killing his driver and injuring others.
The incident occurred at Okpoto in Ishielu local government area of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer for Ebonyi command, Chris Anyanwu confirmed the attack in a statement on Saturday.
He said “on 02/02/2023 at about 2208 hrs, yet to be identified armed men ambushed and shot sporadically at the convoy of the Ebonyi State Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Professor Bernard Odo, while going back after a campaign outing.
“The unfortunate incident which took place at the Rest House axis within Okpoto in Ishielu L.G.A left one of the drivers and an SPU personnel wounded with bullet injuries. One Toyota Hilux van was burnt to ashes while another of the convoy vehicles was equally damaged.
“However, the Guber Candidate and all other dignitaries ànd party supporters escaped unscathed.
“On getting the sad news, the Police Command rose to the occasion and mobilized Tactical
Teams to assist the Ishielu Divisional Police team in a hot chase of the hoodlums.
“The Command has also activated an intelligence-led investigation headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge the State Criminal Investigation/Intelligence Department (SCIID) in order to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command,Aliyu Garba, empathizes with the party and it’s members. Nonetheless, the CP frowns at this ugly development and therefore advised that politiçians should redraw their campaign itineraries and reset the time in order to avoid nocturnal movements. He further assured that the perpetrators will be trailed and brought to book, please”