Two arrested for planting explosives on Ebonyi bridge

Two persons have been arrested in Ebonyi state while planting
Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, on Idembia bridge in Ezza South
Local government Area of Ebonyi state.

Governor David Umahi stated this in a special security situation
broadcast to the people of the state on Friday.

He said the arrest followed intelligence reports that some
members of a political party were planning to bomb bridges and
other installations in the state.

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.

“The 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”.

“While 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
but they have not detonated it”

“They were still planting it, they went 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”.

The governor also gave report of other violent incidents in
various parts of the state candidates.

“Two House of Representatives 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”.

The governor warned that anyone, irrespective of political
affiliation, caught in any violent conduct before, during and after
the election will be prosecuted.

He charged the people to go about their lawful business and not
to let the incident deter them from coming out to vote in
tomorrow’s election.

“I encourage Ebonyians to come out and vote because we have
enough security and that any disturbance, they 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”.

Police Spokesman in the state, Loveth Ogah confirmed the
incident.

She gave the names of the suspects as Kingsley Nweke and
Chijioke Uwakwe.

The spokesman said the Police is investigating the matter
assuring that the Police is on top of the security situation in the
state.