As the nation approaches the general election next month, increasing wave of political violence has taken over Ebonyi state with the failed bombing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) office in Abakaliki and the destruction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) office

in Ohaukwu local government area of the state.

The failed bombing of APC office which occurred on Sunday, came on the heels of invasion and destruction of APGA office as well as house of some supporters of the party in Ohaukwu local government area of the state by unknown gunmen said to be wearing police uniform.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebonti state, ASP Chris Anyanwu, who confirmed the failed bombing of APC office, noted that Police in Ebonyi state are currently working to unravel the people behind the dastardly act.

It was gathered that the APC office along the Kipirikpiri road, few metres away from the Government House and the Headquartres of the police command, which also serves as the campaign office of the
Governorship candidate of the party, Senator Julius Ucha, was attacked by unknown persons with objects suspected to be Improvised Explosive Device, (IED).

Though the alleged plots by those suspected to be agents of some political parties in the state was foiled, one of the aides to Senator Ucha, John Ekeh disclosed that the incident occurred in the night of
Sunday when they heard a loud sound at the back of the building.

John Eke said they heard a loud sound at the back of the building at 10. 45pm on Sunday night when the suspected terrorists threw in the (IED) through the fence with intention to bomb the office and
unfortunately the explosive could not catch up with the petrol that accompanied it.

“it was a clear intention of those that did it to burn down the office but God was on our side because when they threw the objects from the fence, the wire at the fence may have held the can containing the fuel and the intention was when the object exploded, the fuel will catch fire and the entire building would have been razed down he said”.

Meanwhile, Senator Julius Ucha has expressed concern over increasing plots by some political parties in the state to cause violence and loss of lives and property and described the failed attempt to bomb
his campaign office as one of the negative signs of what some political parties are planning to do in the state during and after the election.

Senator Ucha called on the Inspector General of Police to order thorough investigation into the incident, while calling on the APC supporters in the state to go about their lawful businesses as he is
capable of controlling the increasing violent attempts on him and the party faithful in the state in the face of all provocations.

However, some senior police officers including the Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer, in charge of Kpirikpiri police station were at the scene to access the damage and a bomb disposal unit of the Nigeria Police was invited to evacuate the objects.

This is even as the APGA governorship candidate in the Sen Anthony Agbo condemned destruction of the party’s office and touching of houses of some members of the party in Ohaukwu LGA.

“These agents of destabilization in company of over 20 policemen, attacked the houses of some members in his area”.

“They burnt the party’s office and destroyed several properties such as furniture and posters, as the policemen who wore police vests and wielded AK 47 rifles, shot at the houses of our members,” he said.

He warned those involved in the sinister plots against him and the party, to desist from such acts as he knows their identity.

“It is clear that the forces of good and evil are presently competing for the soul of Ebonyi but I assure the citizens that no amount of evil conspiracy, intimidation, soul-trading and plan to rig elections
will change the divine purpose and plan for the state.

He called on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega to tighten all loose ends to ensure the conduct of a credible election, as the top echelon of this particular political party boasts that it would
influence INEC, police and the military.

According to him, the state party chairman was presently in Abuja over the attack on the party, as they would officially report the matter to the police when he comes back.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Chris Anyanwu, noted that APGA has not officially reported the matter, as it would be handled when reported.

Source: http://southeast.com.ng/?p=98