BY PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI- PROPERTY worth millions of naira, including four buildings and a car, were destroyed as suspected thugs loyal to two Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwarts (names withheld) clashed in Afikpo South Local Government Area of the state.

The crisis, according to reports, ensued, following unresolved issues that occurred during the conduct of a town union election held at Ekoli Edda community of the council area.

Vanguard learnt that one person was shot, while several others received severe machete cuts and that the scene of the incident witnessed heavy presence of mobile policemen and military personnel who were dispatched to the area to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Some residents of the area fled their homes for fear of reprisal attack and a possible mass arrest by the police.

The attack is the second witnessed this year in the area since the conduct of the last People’s Democratic Party, PDP, primaries in the local government area.

A victim, Mr. Kenneth Okoro-Agha, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, said trouble ensued shortly after he emerged winner of the election that took place in

the community.

His account: “It was on Sunday, September 30, 2011, shortly after my election as the leader of Ekoli Bound of Hope union. We have seven villages in the community and I had to go to the

villages to tell them of the victory and the emergence of a new leadership.

“When I was visiting the villages, I saw a group of youths numbering about 40 coming towards me, many of them are from Nguzu Edda.

Before we could know what was happening, they rushed us. One of them pulled his gun and shot me twice.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi State Police Command, ASP, John Eluu, who confirmed the incident, said the police were investigating the matter to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the crisis.