The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday decried the fatal attack carried out at the residence of Ikenga Ugochinyere, the party’s candidate for Ideato Federal Constituency.

In a statement issued in Owerri by the party’s Publicity Secretary in Imo State, Collins Opurozor, PDP described the attack as “bloody”.

Mr Opurozor claimed that a heavily armed motorcade of three vehicles invaded Mr Ugochinyere’s residence in Akokwa on Saturday and inflicted mayhem, leaving three persons dead.

“Among them was an uncle to Ugochinyere.

“However, our candidate escaped death by the whisker.

“At least thirty-two vehicles were burnt to ashes, while buildings were levelled to the ground with explosives.

“It was a horrible scene of warfare,” Mr Opurozor added.

He further alleged that Mr Ugochinyere’s ordeal began when he exposed the widespread compromise of the INEC voter register.

He expressed worry that in spite of the series of reported threats to the candidate’s life, no arrest was made.

“It is noteworthy that protection of lives and property is the sacred responsibility of the government.

“The security agencies are supposed to be non-partisan and act without fear or favour. We are deeply worried.

“Consequently, as law abiding citizens, we call on the security agencies to rise to the occasion and immediately investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to book,” Mr Opurozor stated.

He urged all lovers of democracy in the state “not to be cowed by the evil agenda of these forces of darkness, whose sole objective is to destroy our dear state.

“Imo PDP will in the coming days review the situation and take further lawful steps to guarantee the security of the lives of our candidates, leaders, members and Imo citizens at large,” he added.

Mr Ugochinyere is the spokesman of the Conference of Coalition of United Political Parties. 

(NAN)