By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Tension has erupted in Ebonyi State following allegations of assault leveled by a former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ben Nworie, who accused individuals he described as “thugs” of the Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Peace Agwu, of attacking him at his residence.
In a statement made available to journalists, 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 at early hours of today attacked by three thugs of the chairman of Ishielu Local Government, Mrs Peace Agwu at my residence in Ugwuechara, Abakaliki Ebonyi State,” 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 severally 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 has left him in fear for his life.
“I want to 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.
“As I was trying to explain… I removed the bamboos because it was on the entrance road to my house, which nearly caused me 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.