Commotion on Tuesday erupted in Umunede community in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State following the destruction of properties belonging to the member representing Ika North-East Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Anthony Elekeokuri, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by suspected opposition party thugs.
It was gathered that irate opposition party members stormed the house of the lawmaker in Umunede community and allegedly attacked persons on sight before destroying his properties worth millions of naira.
But the lawmaker, Anthony Elekeokuri, who spoke to newsmen in the area, confirmed that his properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by hoodlums allegedly working for the opposition party.
He said: “between 9 to 10am, they came to my ongoing project site, hooting sporadically, destroyed lots of things, attacked my workers, stole their money, went to my father’s compound, destroyed six of my campaign branded vehicles among other items. They pulled down PDP billboards. I have reported to the police, and hope that the police will do their job”.
Some of the victims spoke to newsmen in the area, on the alleged attack on them. One of them, Chief Andrew Emeri said the hoodlums were allegedly aided by two hilux vehicles occupied by policemen, stating that when they were confronted they simply said: “that is politics”.
It was gathered that the attackers numbering over fifty, allegedly chanted APC, including war songs during which they allegedly unleashed terror on the people and properties.
But in a swift reaction, APC chieftain in area, Chief Felix Orhikhi dispelled the claim as untrue, saying that his party does not parade hoodlums, and called on the police to carryout proper investigation on the said attack on PDP members and their properties in the area.
Acting Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Chuks Orisewezie, who confirmed the incident, said investigation was ongoing, adding that though no arrest was made yet, the police will do everything possible to apprehend perpetrators of the mayhem in the community.
ASP Orisewezie however called on APC and PDP supporters to embrace peace as anybody who takes laws into his or her hands will face the wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Umunede kingdom, Obi Ezeagwuna Agadagidi 1 has warned that the attacks on some residents, and destruction of properties witnessed in the community should never happen again.
The monarch appealed to the warring groups to embrace peace instead of bitterness, stressing that Umunede kingdom is known for peaceful coexistence among its indigenes.
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