Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has claimed that the state chapter of Ebubeagu South-East Security Outfit have arrested a gang who were trying to smuggle arms into the State.
According to him, the gang, suspected to be political thugs, disguised as security personnel with vehicles fitted with sirens.
He said, they were, however, intercepted by Ebubeagu officials at 1am in the night and later handed over to the Police.
The governor, who did not disclose, when the incident occurred warned all political parties and politicians to carry out their campaigns for the 2023 elections in a peaceful manner.
He warned against use of sirens by unauthorized persons adding that security agencies including Ebubeagu have been empowered to intercept such persons and prevent them from fomenting trouble in the State
He, however, promised that his administration will provide a level playing field for all political parties during the election period.
He said: “Let me emphasize that in 2023, its going to be Ebonyi State first and our party is APC. Nobody developed Ebonyi State, na we ndi Ebonyi develop Ebonyi State. so, the interest of Ebonyi State will be paramount. Na broom we stand and we have started sweeping.
“Let me assure Ebonyians a very smooth campaign in this state. We will not discriminate against any party, they are all our people but if any party whether APC or PDP or Labour Party, anyone gets mad, I will give the person the resistance that is proportional to the power of two that he is bringing to the state.
“There is no sentiment, my mission is Ebonyi State. If you have your sentiment, keep it to the boundary. If you come with the sentiment here and you foment trouble, I will decisively resist you.
“If you want to come and kill in the name of politics, you will not live till that day. We created and fortified Ebubeagu security outfit which has over 4,000 officials who are paid monthly that is banning the use of siren. If you are not in that category, do not come to Ebonyi with siren, we will not allow you.
“Ebubeagu, they have arrested a number of people at 1:am with siren carrying arms to come and kill our people, the CP is aware and they are cooling off,” he said.
