Former Vice Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, Benjamin Nworie, yesterday, escaped death by the whiskers when he was allegedly attacked by suspected thugs allegedly working on the order of a council chairman.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abakaliki, Nworie alleged that he was attacked in the early hours of the day at his home in Ugwuechara, Abakaliki, describing the incident as brutal and life-threatening.

“I was, in the early hours of today, attacked by three thugs of the chairman of Ishielu Local Council, Mrs Peace Agwu, at my residence in Ugwuechara,” he said.

He further alleged that the attackers stormed his residence and became violent after confronting him over the removal of bamboo materials placed near his entrance gate.

“They forcefully dragged, beat and punched me many times on the face and mouth,” Nworie claimed, adding that the assailants also threatened to kill him and his family, before neighbours intervened to save him from further harm.

According to him, the situation left him in fear for his life.

“I call on my colleagues and security agencies to be aware that my life and that of my family are now in danger as a result of the attacks and threats by the chairman’s thugs,” he stated.

Nworie also explained that the issue began after he removed bamboo materials placed near his entrance, which he said had posed a danger to him.

“I removed the bamboo because it was on the entrance to my house, which nearly caused an accident about three days ago,” he said.

He further lamented that construction activities around the area had made access to his home difficult over time.

But the council boss has denied the allegation, describing it as false, malicious and defamatory.

In a statement signed by her Special Assistant, Jerry Odi, the council boss denied involvement in the alleged attack.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs Agwu had no involvement whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in the incident described by Nworie,” the statement read.

He further dismissed any suggestion linking the chairman to acts of violence, insisting that such claims were unfounded and damaging.

“It is, therefore, reckless and legally indefensible for Nworie to publicly accuse the chairman of orchestrating violence without presenting any credible evidence,” it added.

The statement emphasised that the chairman does not sponsor any thug, noting that any attempt to associate her with such activities would not be tolerated.

“We wish to make it clear that the chairman does not operate or sponsor any group of thugs,” the statement declared.

Consequently, the council boss demanded immediate retraction of the allegation and public apology from Nworie.

“The office, hereby, demands an immediate retraction of the allegations and a public apology. Failure to do so will leave the Chairman with no option but to explore all available legal remedies,” it warned.

At the same time, the office welcomed a full investigation by relevant security agencies, expressing confidence that such a probe would clear the chairman of the allegations.

“Agwu remains committed to peace, lawful conduct, and responsible leadership,” the statement added.

The development has drawn attention from stakeholders, with calls for restraint, proper verification of facts, and a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.