The People’s Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the November 6 Anambra election, Valentine Ozigbo, has temporarily suspended his campaign rallies.

In a statement by his campaign organisations media and communications director, Aziza Uko, Mr Ozigbo cited the rising spate of killings in the state as reason for the suspension.

“In the past few days, we have witnessed an alarming escalation of deadly violence in Anambra.

“We lost an eminent son and several others in what appears to be a renewed violent campaign by bandits.

“Yesterday, a prominent Nigerian public servant, medical doctor, and a stalwart of PDP, Lawrence Ezenwa, was killed in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.

“Ezenwa, who is from Abia, was visiting his wife’s village, Ukpo in Nnewi South, when he met his demise. His driver was also shot and killed.

“On the same day, a vehicle belonging to a federal lawmaker, Rep. Chris Azubogu, was attacked and his driver killed in cold blood.

“As a leader, I find the latest violence disturbing and condemnable and I call for a stop to all acts of violence, particularly against the innocent.

“Due to this development, and in line with my belief that no life is worth anybody’s ambition, I suspended all my campaign rallies and public appearances scheduled for this week.

“Every life is precious and ought to be protected and preserved,” Mr Ozigbo stated.

He said the murder of Chike Akunyili, the widower of late Dora Akunyili, still left him in shock.

“Indeed, all Anambra people and my family are shaken by the unimaginable violence, which took the life of our illustrious son, Akunyili,” he said.

The PDP candidate said, “Every lawful step must be taken to address the growing incidence of insecurity in Anambra and the South-East.”

Describing the violence in the state, ahead of the upcoming governorship poll, as alarming, he called for its immediate end.

(NAN)