PDP protests, seeks disbandment of Ebubeagu in Imo

Thousands of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful, yesterday, in Imo State, stormed the headquarters of the state Police Command in protest against alleged threats to life of its candidates, leaders and members by suspected operatives of Ebubeagu security outfit, which was created by the state government to complement efforts of security agencies to combat insecurity in the state.

In a letter dated January 18, 2023, signed by the party’s state Chairman, Charles Ugwuh, and addressed to the Police Commissioner, CP Mohammed Barde, the party called for immediate disbandment of Ebubeagu in the interest of people of the state.

The party said that the outfit, rather than operate to address security challenges in the state, has been abused and positioned as an instrument of suppression and vengeance against perceived enemies of the state government.  

According to him: “Ebubeagu has been currently positioned as a hit-squad under the Department of State Services (DSS), and has become the worse nightmare to the people of Imo.

“It is no longer an organised security network, established to combat bandits and kidnappers in the state.”  

The letter reads in part: “Indeed, since the deployment of Ebubeagu against separatists groups and agitators, there has been a spike in insecurity, characterised by vicious cycle of extra-judicial killings and reprisal attacks.

“The result is that the state has been transformed into a theatre of war and butchery, where daily extra-judicial murders have become common that incidents no longer merit media attention.”  

Aware that members of the outfit, who now bear arms, are not trained, Imo PDP, therefore, called for immediate disbandment of Ebubeagu in the state.

“Our concern, therefore, is that under the current state of terror and public anxiety for safety, it will be foolhardy to further undertake any form of voter mobilisation and vote canvassing in the state.

“Faced with preparations for the coming general elections in an atmosphere of widespread insecurity and fear, we wish to request your urgent intervention to adequately secure the state.”

The party also urged the Imo CP to take steps deemed appropriate to secure the state, and restore public confidence in this regard, particularly before and during the elections.