BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

OWERRI-The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which has been struggling to get over the defeat of Governor Ikedi Ohakim, suffered yet another setback in the early hours of yesterday, as gunmen stormed the home of one of its drivers, Mr. Uchenna Okere, and shot him.

Vanguard investigations revealed that Uchenna, alias Whiteman, a native of Umundoche, Umuoma, Nekede, Owerri West local government area, was asleep when the assailants broke into his room at about 2am.
Vanguard investigation equally revealed that the deceased was shot at point blank on the chest and left leg.

Suspect arrested

It was also gathered that a suspect, who is believed to be a sacked soldier from Abia State, had been arrested by the police while an AK47 rifle, allegedly used in the crime, had been recovered by the police.

Recounting the family’s sordid experience when Vanguard visited the scene at 3pm yesterday, the deceased’s elder brother, an Anglican cleric, Archdeacon Duke Okere, said he was not aware that his late brother had any problem with anybody.

Victim’s brother’s story

Archdeacon Okere said: “We were all together yesterday with some of his friends till about 7 or 8pm. Other friends equally visited him and stayed on till about 9pm before they left.

“About 1.40am, I heard a gunshot. I was in my own residence. Before I could rush to the family home, the second gunshot was fired.  Midway, I saw one of my younger brothers running towards my house. He informed me that they have shot Whiteman.

“On getting into his room, I found out that he was actually shot. He could not make any speech. He was in a pool of his own blood. I made some frantic effort to see if I could resuscitate him but it was too late.”