By Godwin Okah, ABAKALIKI
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi state, Awosola Awotunde on Friday confirmed the arrest of two suspected members of the indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, for allegedly planting improvised explosive devices, IEDs, on Idembia bridge road leading to the hometown of the Governor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi.
The CP who spoke to journalists in Abakaliki through the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Loveth Odah, said the suspects hail from Ishielu and Ezza north LGAs of the state.
The suspects, Nweke Kinsley and Uwakwe Chigioke were arrested following intelligence reports from the idembia community that some members of a political party were planning to bomb Bridges and other installations in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor David Umahi had earlier in a live broadcast raised the alarm.
He said the two suspects were arrested by villagers living close to the bridge which links Ezza South to Ohaozara local government area.
The governor also said that a National Assembly Candidate of a political party a few days ago went to a quarry site in the state to purchase explosives but was turned down by the operators who also reported to the state government.
He said: “A report came to me as Chief Security officer of this state that a House of Assembly candidate went to quarry site to buy explosives and the people came and reported to us, they refused to sell to him.
“We had to immediately report to the security agencies and they have the name of the person. They moved into action to arrest the person and I have said they should declare him wanted.
“Subsequently, four hours later, we got information that a meeting was held and it was agreed to plant explosives in hotels, in flyovers and bridges including bridges built by past administration in the state.
“We were still examining the authenticity of the information, Commissioner for Internal security called to say that the community and Neighbourhood Security Watch apprehended two people that have succeeded in planting explosives at Idembia bridge and they have not
detonated it.
“They were still planting it, they go to the expansion of the bridge the weakest link to plant it. They have been apprehended and sent to the Army and the Army has sent them to the police. So, they are being investigated.
“Two House of Reps candidates in Ezza North LGA were shooting guns.
Incidentally, a police orderly was attached to one of them who
participated in the shooting of gun. The matter has been reported to the police to fish out the police orderly and he must be arrested.
“Army arrested one of the candidates of a political party along the road with a short gun. Then in Ikwo, somebody was arrested with gun for terrorizing his community.
“I have encouraged Ebonyians to come out and vote because we have enough security and that any disturbance, the should just let the security agencies know. Security agencies are equal to the task and they are very neutral and well prepared to protect the people.
“So, I urge Ebonyians not to be afraid of anything because those that are
here to protect us are so many and they are they are doing perfect work and so every life will be protected” he added.
