***Accuses Ebonyi APC of attacks on its members
The Labour party (LP) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its candidate for 2023 Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone Hon Linus Abaa Okorie allegedly by Men of Ebubeagu Security Network
This was contained in a statement by the National chairman of the Party Julius Abure.
Okorie was kidnapped on Sunday night while he was on his way to his house in Abakaliki by gunmen known to be men of Ebubeagu Security outfit allegedly sent by Onicha Local Government Chairman and master minded by the APC Government in Ebonyi State.
“It is no longer news that some political actors in some South Eastern states particularly, Ebonyi and Enugu have vowed that Labour Party and its candidates will not be allowed to campaign freely in the zone. This is evident with incessant attacks on members and supporters of the Labour Party and that of our other candidates.
“This night attack is viewed by the party as a furtherance of the determination of these political hirelings to frustrate the progressive incursion of the party across the nation and particularly in the South East.
“The frequent attack and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians, particularly the political class could have a major consequences in the coming general election. This is quite unfortunate and it is not good for democracy. We see it as a threat to our democracy and it should not be allowed to progress or institutionalised.
“I want to recall what happened to our party in Anambra State last year when our governorship candidate, Hon. Obiography Agbasimalo was kidnapped at the heart of campaign and as I speak, nothing has been heard about him. Sadly, this is happening again.
“We therefore call on Inspector General of Police and other agencies responsible for the protection of life and property to rise to the occasion and ensure that Hon Linus Okorie is released.
“As alleged, the Ebubeagu Vigilante security in Ebonyi State is under the strict overlordship of the state authority and is known to carry out orders of the state government, deploying brute force on the people and residents of the state.
“We therefore demand that His Excellency, Governor Dave Umahi must rein in on this Vigilante or any other of the government agents to ensure that intimidation of perceived political opponents ceases, and that political rights of every Nigerian as enshrined in the constitution is respected.
“Finally, we urge the government to give directive for Hon Linus Okorie’s unconditional release from these criminal elements.
Another statement by Labourty in Ebonyi State issued by the Party’s spokes person Dr. Yunusa Tako inducated that okorie has been severely tortured to a near-death situation, made naked and pictures of him taken by his Ebubeagu abductors.
It stated that information available confirms that their major objective is to torture him to death and dump his body at the Ebonyi river.
“His phones are currently with the team commander of his Ebubeagu abductors.
“A professional tracking done on Okorie lines reviewed “Ogoja Road, near Police Headquarters,” as his current location. The second line showed “Ebun-Nwana, Edda.
“We are believing that his abductors may have kept his half-dead body at old Government house where the previous actions of the indicted militia group, Ebubeagu usually take place.
“It’s also alleged that from tomorrow, and days ahead, all Okorie followers and supporters will be hunted down and made to face similar situation.
“We call on the security agencies to swing into action and unravel this situation, get Okorie out alive from his Ebubeagu abductors and bring the perpetrators of this evil act to face the full wrath of the law.