By Nnamdi Akpa, Abakaliki
One person was confirmed dead in Ekoli Edda community in Afikpo South Local Council of Ebonyi State following a clash between members of Ebubeagu Security outfit and youths of the area.
The Guardian gathered that a middle-aged man, Eseni Kalu Egwu, was killed during the clash on Boxing Day. The Ebubeagu operatives, according to a community source, allegedly arrived at the market square in the area in company of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Stanley Okoro-Emegha, patrolled, shot sporadically into the air and left.
The development, the source further noted, attracted youths of the community, who in consonance with some elders announced that natives should go into their homes for safety.
Egwu’s eventual death, it was further learnt, ensued when the security operatives allegedly regrouped and stationed at Ogwuma, a hamlet close to Ekoli Edda community in the council area and engaged youths of the community in a gun duel.
This was as the youths, few hours after the incident, burn the country home of the APC Chairman in the state, Hon. Okoro-Emegha, at Ekoli Edda community, in the Afikpo Council at 10.18p.m., same day.
Investigations revealed that Okoro-Emegha, had on Sunday, kicked against the election of a youth group in the community that saw the emergency of persons loyal to the immediate past chairman of the Afikpo South Council, Barr. Eni Chima, as principal officers.
The APC boss, according to the source, had allegedly expressed displeasure over the election and reportedly drew the attention of the new Council Chairman, Hon. Chima Ekumankama, who allegedly cancelled the election and called for the group’s disbandment.
Confirming the incident, Chief Okoro-Emegha alleged that he was attacked by thugs loyal to a politician in the area, saying his house was burnt during the fracas. He said: “They attacked me at Ekoli Edda community, and the same people I heard have just burnt my house.”
Source: The Guardian
