APC Crisis Deepens as Gunmen Burn Down Vehicles, Canopies in Auchi

APC Crisis Deepens as Gunmen Burn Down Vehicles, Canopies in Auchi

--No Going back on Rally _Chop small

By: Jeremiah Enaholo Kadiri

jeremiahkadiri@gmail.com

 

Unidentified gunmen have burnt down vehicles and canopies at the Royal Block premise _a venue slated for the ruling All Progressive Congress’ rally on Saturday the 25th of January, 2020.

Sporadic gunshots were fired in the early hours of Saturday at the Utsogun-Iyekhei axis as unknown gunmen invaded the event center at Sharp Corner with clear intent to destroy properties in view of forestalling the mega rally that has been organized by faithfuls of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of the APC.

According to those living in the area, the gunshots were fired at around 2:20a.m but the fear of the unknown had prevented them from coming out at such an odd hour. A source who spoke in anonymity stated that some boys were contracted to keep watch over the area in anticipation of the event following a hint that the faction of the party loyal to the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki had concluded plans to disrupt the event.

“some boys were guarding that place but at some point decided to do a patrol round town to ensure that no trouble was looming but on their return back to Royal Block, some unknown guys with heavy fire power scared them off with shots, invaded the place and set ablaze the cars that were parked inside the event center.” He said.

Another eyewitness reported that the invaders adorned the Nigerian army camouflage and were heavily armed and this made it difficult for the local vigilante to savage the situation before the damages were done.

Accessing the level of destruction, Alhaji Yakubu Oshiorenoya aka Yakson, former Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council stated that though the incidence is quite an unfortunate one, he is positive that the Police would ensure that perpetrators will be brought to book in due course.

Speaking on the matter, Abduljelil aka Chop small expressed dismay and stated that “it is very unfortunate that people would descend so low as to resort to destruction of people’s properties just to stall a rally that has been fixed. You can see that people’s vehicles were burnt down beyond repair or recognition. Thank God the police are here and are on top of the matter to ensure that these miscreants are caught and justice is served. Though this development saddens me, I am consoled by the fact that no lives were lost in the show of shame.”

Loyalists of the former Comrade Governor are positive that the rally will go on as planned to welcome incoming ‘Decampees’ into the folds of the ruling party as men of the Police have been deployed to the area to provide security for all who will be attending the rally.