More Details Of Attempted Ebonyi Bridge Bombing Surfaces

UPDATE:

The governor of Ebonyi State has thrown more light on the arrest of two suspected hoodlums that were nabbed while trying to bomb Idembia bridge located in Ezza South Local government Area of Ebonyi state.

ElombahNews earlier reported that two bandits were arrested while planting Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDs], on the bridge.

Governor of the state, Mr. David Umahi disclosed this in a special security situation broadcast on Friday.

According to Governor Umahi, the arrest was sequel to intelligence reports that some members of a political party were planning to bomb some facilities in the state.

In this latest update, Governor Umahi said:

“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”.

Speaking of the suspected political candidates’ other nefarious activities, the governor said:

“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”.

Encouraging the peaceful Ebony residents to come out and vote, he assured:

“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.

Meanwhile the Ebonyi State Police Command has given the names of the suspects as Kingsley Nweke and Chijioke Uwakwe.

The Command Spokesperson, Ms. Loveth Ogah corroborated the story to newsmen.

Ms. Ogah assured that investigation into the matter is underway as the suspects are being quizzed.

Previous report:

Two suspected bandits have been arrested while planting Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDs], on a bridge located at Idembia in Ezza South Local government Area of Ebonyi state.

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

According to Governor Umahi, the arrest was sequel to intelligence reports that some members of a political party were planning to bomb some facilities in the state.

He said the suspects were arrested by villagers living close to the bridge which links Ezza South to Ohaozara local government area.

Umahi revealed that a National Assembly election Candidate of a certain political party went to a quarry site in the state to purchase explosives a few days ago.

He was, however, turned down by the operators who also reported same to the state government.