Tension erupted in Agbaja village, Abatete community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday morning following a violent disruption of a political stakeholders’ meeting.
The meeting, scheduled to hold at Agbaja Civic Hall, was organised by former lawmaker Ifeanyi Ibezi as part of his plan to declare his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.
However, the Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Stanley Nkwoka, had earlier warned against the gathering, citing security concerns and threatening to arrest anyone who attended.
Despite the warning, security operatives reportedly stormed the venue early Sunday, cordoning off the area and dispersing individuals already present.
The situation quickly escalated into chaos when gunshots were fired during a confrontation involving operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit and security personnel attached to Ibezi.
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According to eyewitness accounts, two policemen attached to the aspirant were shot and seriously wounded in the process. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently receiving treatment.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, Ibezi said he was alerted early in the morning that armed men had taken over the venue. He explained that upon arrival, he was confronted by security operatives and local vigilantes who claimed they were acting on the chairman’s directive.
He added that he quickly contacted relevant authorities, including the Department of State Services and the police, while the shooting was ongoing.
“I instructed my men not to retaliate. I am a law-abiding citizen and will not take the law into my own hands,” he said, noting that evidence of the incident had been captured on video.
Journalists at the scene were also reportedly threatened by hooded operatives, who ordered them to leave or risk being shot.
While the exact reason for stopping the meeting remains unclear, sources allege a political rivalry between Ibezi and the council chairman over leadership influence in the area.
Ibezi also suggested that the chairman may be backing another aspirant and sought to block his event.
Efforts to reach Nkwoka for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who stated that details were still being gathered.
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