By Oginyi Ruth
Two suspected bombers have been reportedly arrested while planting explosive devices at Idembia Bridge in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Friday.
The incident, it was gathered, has heightened tension and fear among residents and election observers covering Ebonyi State in Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.
It was gathered that a State House Assembly candidate had gone to Umuoghara quarry site to buy an Explosive device on Thursday but the people quickly reported to the state Government and later in the day, the suspects were arrested under the bridge perpetrating the mayhem.
The Governor who commended the security operatives for the prompt response to the distress calls urged the electorate to go out and cast their votes on Saturday during the election While the security investigate and brought the hoodlums to book.
Briefing journalists in Abakaliki on Friday, Governor David Umahi said that the suspects was arrested by the villagers together with neighbourhood watch people and handed them over to the Army.
The Governor also said that a house of Representatives Candidate from Ezza north was also arrested on thursday with short gun.
” A 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 and they have not detonated it.
“They were still planting it, they go 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.
“Two House of Reps 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.
“I have encouraged 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.”
When contacted, the State Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Loveth Odah confirmed the arrest.
She assures that anyone who tries to disturb the election process will have his or herself to blame.
“We are working to know the true identity of the boys and their reason of doing that. The explosive device unit of the Nigeria police has been dispatched to different areas nooks and crannies of the state.”
Odah then assured the state such act will never happen again and urged the people to go their polling booth to cast their vote.
