Policemen shot by vigilante as LG chairman stops Reps aspirant’s meeting in Anambra
Sporadic Gunfire Erupts in Agbaja Village, Anambra, During Disputed Stakeholders Meeting
AGBAJA VILLAGE, Anambra State — Gunfire erupted Sunday morning in Agbaja village, located in the Abatete community of Idemili North Local Government Area, as security operatives attempted to prevent a scheduled stakeholders meeting.
The meeting, organized by Ifeanyi Ibezi, a former lawmaker, was intended to discuss his candidacy for a seat in the House of Representatives representing the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency. The proposed venue was Agbaja Civic Hall.
On Saturday, Stanley Nkwoka, the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, issued a warning against the meeting, declaring the venue unsafe and threatening to arrest attendees.
The situation escalated on Sunday as security personnel cordoned off the civic hall and clashed with Ibezi’s staff. Reports indicate that Ibezi arrived at the scene only to be confronted by the operatives, resulting in the gunshot injuries of two of his security personnel.
“Our correspondent at the scene found that the injured security men were swiftly taken to the hospital. However, Agunechemba operatives continued to deny entry to others,” a statement reported. Journalists present faced intimidation and were ordered to leave under the threat of violence.
In an interview, Ibezi confirmed the injuries sustained by his security team and expressed his disbelief at the disruption. “I intended to hold a meeting today and had communicated with stakeholders in advance. Everything was in order until I saw a message claiming I could not use the facility,” he explained.
Ibezi stated he received a call early Sunday about armed men surrounding the venue. When he arrived, he encountered local vigilantes and security operatives acting on Nkwoka’s orders to halt the event.
“I contacted the State Director of the Department of State Services, the Commissioner of Police, and relevant authorities, but the shooting continued,” he added. “We have video evidence of the incident.”
Ibezi urged his team to remain calm and avoid escalation, stating, “I am a law-abiding citizen and will not take the law into my own hands.” He noted ongoing attempts to contact the local government chairman, who had not responded by that time.
The reasons behind Nkwoka’s decision to disrupt the meeting remain unclear. Sources suggest a power struggle may exist between Ibezi and Nkwoka regarding political leadership in the area. Ibezi indicated that Nkwoka might be supporting another candidate and wished to avoid competition.
Efforts to reach Nkwoka for a comment were unsuccessful by the time of this report. The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident through Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga, who said that further details are still being gathered.
