Thugs Attack Audu’s Convoy, 10 Injured

Political thugs Thursday attacked the convoy of the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu leaving no fewer than 10 people injured. The incident occurred during a campaign rally at Ajaka, the headquarters of Igalamela/Odolu Local Government. A release signed by the Media Cordinator, Audu Campaign Organisation, Sanni Onogu alleged that the attack was carried out by thugs loyal to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). Aside the injuries sustained by the ACN supporters, two branded vehicles belonging to the campaign organisation were also driven away while some other vehicles had their windscreens and side mirrors shattered According to Onogu, “the perpetrators must have been disturbed by the large turn out of ACN supporters at Ibaji, Idah and Ajaka. They blocked a section of road and started shooting sporadically into the air. “They were also throwing burning firewood, stones and cudgels at the convoy as it was leaving the venue after the successful rally. It took the intervention of the police and other security agencies to dislodge the boys.” He narrated further that the assailants later regrouped and attacked other ACN supporters who returned to the campaign venue to retrieve the rugs and sound system used for the rally. While describing the attack as “unprovoked” Prince Abubakar Audu who later addressed ACN supporters at Igwolawo, headquarters of Ofu Local Government Area enjoined his supporters to remain steadfast in the face the intimidation. He stressed that “the ACN mission to rescue the state requires collective effort and such no one should be scared by the attempt to intimidate us”. The party appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim to look at a petition it brought him and to also investigate the Thursday attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. However, in a swift reaction to the allegation, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Tom Ohikere described the allegation that the attackers acted on behalf of the PDP as false.