Gunmen attack APGA campaign rally in Anambra

Gunmen, yesterday, attacked a campaign rally in Anambra State.

Many persons were injured, following a gun battle between security operatives and the gunmen that lasted for over two hours.

The incident, it was gathered, occurred at Odoata Primary School in Ihiala, Ihiala Local Council of the state, where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) supporters went for a campaign rally.

According to a source, Governor Willie Obiano was among those whose vehicles were trapped in the melee.

When contacted, Anambra Police Spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident. He said there were no casualties on the part of the police while security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition, two magazines and four vehicles.

He said: “The operatives of Anambra State Command successfully repelled an attack at Odoata Central School, beside St. Martins Church in Ihiala.

“Exhibits recovered included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines with 30 rounds of ammunition, one Lexus 350 jeep, one Rav- 4 jeep, one Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Corolla. Preliminary investigation revealed that the hoodlums started shouting sporadically while arriving at the school.”

Also, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said security operatives repelled attacks where APGA was scheduled to organise a campaign rally for the November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

He said the gunmen came on various motorcycles and in three vehicles, namely a Toyota Lexus 350 ES with registration number EKY 765 EX, Toyota RAV4 with number JJJ 434FP and a Ford van whose number could not be ascertained at the time of this report.

It was gathered that the attackers came from Mgbidi in Imo State, which is a neighbouring local council with Ihiala in Anambra State.

MEANWHILE, Obiano has commended police officers and soldiers for repelling the attack by the gunmen in a professional manner.

Speaking at Atani in Ogbaru Local Council where he welcomed the APGA governorship candidate in the forthcoming election, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Obiano described the response of the security men as not only professional, but an exhibition of patriotism.

Soludo also lauded the security forces for bravery at Ihiala.
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