Abia govt, Otti trade blame over political violence

The Abia State Government and the All Progressive Grand Alliance governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Alex Otti, have traded blame over

who was responsible for the political violence that broke out at Oboro Ikwuano Local Government Council, on Monday.

A victim, Frank Dickson, was said to have been hit by a stray bullet during the fracas.

While the state government pointed accusing fingers at thugs allegedly loyal to Otti, the ex-banker said his campaign team was attacked by thugs suspected to be agents of the government.

Dickson, a barber, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, was said to be passing by when he was hit by a stray bullet.

The incident which took place at Umuojiocha village square, Oboro in Ikwuano Local Government Area, has heightened political tension and anxiety across the state.

Dickson told journalists in Umuahia on Tuesday that he was shot in his left ankle when the fracas broke out between some thugs and the campaign team of Otti.

He said, “I was just passing on the road, when I saw some people fighting and suddenly I was hit in my leg by a bullet”.

Briefing journalists on the incident, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Anthony Agbazuere, condemned the attack and called on the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.

He expressed concerns at the rising incidents of thuggery and politically motivated attacks in the state.

Agbazuere recalled that recently, the Peoples Democratic Party and House of Representatives candidate for Isiala Ngwa, Chief Darlington Nwokocha, was attacked while his campaign vehicles were destroyed.

He also said the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, was also attacked at Uturu.

He warned those behind the political violence in the state to retrace their steps or face the wrath of the law.

The commissioner said that those instigating violence in the state “should not take the humaneness of the governor for granted.”

He said that the state government would no longer condone violence from any person or group or watch anybody intimidate innocent Abians in the name of politics.