ACN Governorship Candidate Alleges Attempt On Life
SAN FRANCISCO, OCTOBER 2, (THEWILL) – Gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the April 2011 election in Benue State, Professor Steve Torkuma Ugbah, has alleged an attempt on his life, executed on Friday, September 30, 2011. He said the attack, orchestrated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), occurred at about 7:30pm at his residence on Benson Abounu Crescent, Hudco quarters, Makurdi.
In a statement signed by Comrade Abba Yaro, state chairman of the opposition party, Ugbah accused the gunmen of shooting one of his assistants, Mr. Aondoungwa Ashiekaa, who was sighted at the gate alerting the neighbourhood. The incident was immediately reported at the Nigeria Police “B” Division, Makurdi, and the victim rushed to Federal Medical Centre Apir, where he is still receiving treatment.
“We are deeply worried that this trend of attempts on the life of our candidate, Prof. Steve Ugbah, has continued despite several reports we have made to security agencies in the state. It will be recalled that the media Aide to Prof Steve Ugbah, Mr. Charles Ayede, was murdered at Kadarko in similar circumstances by yet-to-be-identified gunmen,” the statement observed.
“The party is particularly concerned at the spate of unresolved killings in the state. When we raise alarm, the party is always castigated for crying wolf where there is none.”
Calling on supporters of the party to be calm, the statement urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and apprehend the culprits. It also warned the PDP to busy itself with more important state affairs instead of intimidating opposition.
“The other day, civil society and organised market associations took to the streets to peacefully demonstrate the miscarriage of justice in Benue, particularly as it affected the governorship election. Instead of addressing the needs and yearnings of these groups, the PDP-led government issued a directive to the Police to arrest members of the ACN and other innocent citizens who had nothing to do with the said demonstration.”