Labour Party kicks as ‘Ebubeagu’ abducts candidate in Ebonyi

The Labour Party (LP) has demanded the immediate release of its Senatorial Candidate in Ebonyi South, Hon Linus Okorie, reportedly kidnapped on his way home on Sunday night. 

Okorie, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency, was allegedly abducted by the personnel of the South East Vigilante outfit, Ebubeagu, according to the National Chairman of LP, Comrade Julius Abure, in a statement issued in Abuja, on Monday. 

“It is no longer news that some political actors in some South Eastern states particularly, Ebonyi and Enugu, have vowed that Labour Party and its candidates will not be allowed to campaign freely in the zone.

“This is evident with incessant attacks on members and supporters of the Labour Party and that of our candidates, particularly, our presidential candidate.

“This night attack is viewed by the party as a furtherance of the determination of these political hirelings to frustrate the progressive incursion of the party across the nation and particularly in the South East. 

“I therefore call on the Ebonyi state governor, His Excellency, Dave Umahi and the hierarchy of the security agencies particularly, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State to immediately effect the release of our senatorial prospect, Hon Linus Okorie,” Abure said.

The party chairman expressed fears that the frequent attack and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians, particularly the political class, could have a major consequence in the coming general election, while describing the situation as a threat to democracy.

“We see it as a threat to our democracy and it should not be allowed to progress or institutionalised. 

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“I want to recall what happened to our party in Anambra State last year when our governorship candidate, Hon. Obiography Agbasimalo was kidnapped at the heart of campaign and as I speak, nothing has been heard about him. Sadly, this is happening again. 

“We therefore call on Inspector General of Police and other agencies responsible for the protection of life and property to rise to the occasion and ensure that Hon Linus Okorie is released.

“As alleged, the Ebubeagu Vigilante security in Ebonyi State is under the strict overlordship of the state authority and is known to carry out orders of the state government, deploying brute force on the people and residents of the state. 

“We therefore demand that His Excellency, Governor Dave Umahi must rein in on this Vigilante or any other of the government agents to ensure that intimidation of perceived political opponents ceases, and that political rights of every Nigerian as enshrined in the constitution is respected.

Police says Okorie in its custody

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chris Anyanwu, on Monday, that Okorie was “arrested” by the Ebubeagu security outfit.

Anyanwu said that following the reported abduction of Okorie, the Command swung into action and later traced him to the head office of the Ebubeagu at the Old Government House, Abakaliki.

The Police spokesman, who accused Okorie of evading many Police arrests/invitations, alleged that he was arrested by Ebubeagu on offences which include “his activities and utterances that incited and provoked the violence that engulfed Onicha LGA, which led to suspected IPOB/ESN operatives or unknown gunmen to unleash mayhem in the area, leaving seven (7) persons dead at the end of that fracas.”

According to Anyanwu, the case has now been taken over by the Police Command for preliminary investigation.