In a harrowing incident that unfolded just five days before the highly anticipated November 11th gubernatorial elections in Imo State, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Athan Achonu, was reportedly targeted in a disturbing attack within the state.
Senator Athan Achonu’s convoy fell victim to a brazen ambush while en route to St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Obibiezena, Owerri North Local Government Area. The occasion for his presence was an invitation to attend the church’s synod. Reports indicate that his convoy stumbled upon an elaborate roadblock manned by a group of menacing thugs. The roadblock included an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), a Sienna minivan adorned with All Progressives Congress (APC) branding, and a Hilux truck.
A statement issued by Chibuikem Diala, the Director of Media and Publicity for Senator Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation, sheds light on the perilous situation that transpired. According to the statement, Achonu narrowly escaped a potential tragedy. The release states:
“One Oladimeji, a police officer attached to the Tiger Base Police Squad in Owerri, led a team of stern-looking policemen and armed Ebubeagu security operatives.
“As the convoy approached the roadblock, the police officers inside the Armored Personnel Carrier opened fire, narrowly missing Senator Achonu’s Wrangler SUV, but instead hitting the driver’s window of one of the bulletproof Lexus SUVs in the convoy. Fortunately, due to the vehicle’s bulletproofing, what could have resulted in a casualty was averted.
“The officers unleashed a hail of bullets in broad daylight, in full view of the public. Even after a conversation between the Police Commissioner and the police officer Oladimeji over the phone, the officer remained unyielding, adamant that Senator Achonu should not pass, citing Governor Uzodinma’s upcoming route.
“A young man known as ‘TAKPE,’ seemingly empowered by the police, was seen shouting and menacingly threatening to ‘destroy all the cars’ unless the convoy turned back. This display induced panic among the women accompanying the convoy.
“In an effort to de-escalate the situation, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security personnel in Senator Achonu’s entourage displayed restraint and ensured the safe movement of the candidate and his team to a secure location.
“It is disheartening to witness the extent to which the state’s police force seems to have aligned itself with Governor Uzodinma, to the point where even the State Commissioner of Police appears to have limited control over security matters within the state.
“We demand an urgent investigation into the actions of all involved parties, including Officer Ola, as well as the State Commissioner of Police. Furthermore, we insist on the apprehension and accountability of the chief instigator, ‘Takpe,’ as seen in the viral video.
“We also call for the immediate reassignment of all compromised officers to avert potential crises. It is crucial to emphasize that the Labour Party, Senator Athan Achonu, and all advocates for democracy in Imo State refuse to be intimidated.
“We appeal to prominent figures such as President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Army Staff, the Head of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to address the security situation in Imo State and prevent any bloodshed during and after the forthcoming election.”