At least two persons on Tuesday collapsed while about 15 were seriously injured during a political rally in Ntueke, Ideato South local government area of Imo State after security operatives allegedly fired tear gas to disperse the people.
The incident happened during a rally by the lawmaker representing Ideato federal constituency, Hon Ikenga Ugochiyere Imo at Ntueke, when security operatives stormed the scheduled venue and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd and people scattered across different areas.
Already, the lawmaker has warned that irrespective of the number of intimidations, the Acton Peoples Party (APP) will hold 18 more rallies across Ideato North and South local government areas.
Further, Ugochiyere called on the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of the Department of Security Services to unmask and discipline all the operatives involved in the disruption of the rally at Ntueke.
Operatives of the Nigerian Army, Police, and the DSS allegedly disrupted the APP rally Ntueke party office, saying they were ordered from above
The rally originally scheduled to hold at Christ Anglican Church, Ntueke was disrupted following sporadic shooting and tear gas by the security operatives at the people but later held at the newly commissioned APP local government headquarters in Ntueke.
Ugochiyere who lamented over the action which sparked fear and apprehension as many took to their heels and sustained injuries in the process, queried the person who issued such orders.
He said “I call on the Chief of Army Staff to identify and court martial all the soldiers who invaded this place, fired gunshots and tear gas at innocent people and now 10 people have been injured including journalists.
“The armed forces is our national pride who protect us. So how did soldiers in national colours, come here saying they were ordered from Owerri to disrupt our rally, a purely civil matter and event.
“I call on the Inspector General of Police to find out who gave the order in Owerri for Ola of Tiger unit in Imo Police Command to do what they did, opened fire and tear gas at people and he is not aware.
“DSS DG has to look into the officials who were given arms and came to Ntueke to burn billboards even when we were charged thrice the amount. But the truth is the more they try to intimidate us, the more resolute we become.
“We put 56 billboards across Ideato to thank the Army and Police for chasing out the insurgents that wanted to take over our land. So how do operatives of security agencies turn around to burn them.
“Let me tell them, as long as I’m breathing, I cannot be stopped from rallying. We have 18 more rallies in Arondizuogu, Dikenafai, Urualla, everywhere across Ideato. See if you block the venue, we will use the roads because nobody can stop us. Nobody can intimidate us. We will not give up our indigeneshil and freedom which we freely have to anyone”.
Ugochiyere disclosed that he has scheduled to use a whole month to commission the myriad of projects he attracted to Ideato federal constituency and called on the people to get ready.
Meanwhile, Ugochiyere assured the people that he will not back down in the struggle to defend and liberate his constituents, regardless of the level of threats, harassment, or intimidation and emphasized that the movement represents the collective will of the people and remains unstoppable.
The rally ended with a declaration of unity, resilience, and determination by the people of Ideato, who reiterated their commitment to protecting their votes and ensuring that their mandate prevails in 2027.
Meanwhile, the Ideato South Political Forum has announced Ugochiyere as their consensus candidate for Ideato federal constituency stool.
President of IPF told the crowd that the lawmaker “had distinguished himself as a courageous, effective, and people-oriented representative, whose voice resonates not just within Ideato, but across Nigeria and the global stage. His track record in representation, advocacy, and service delivery is both visible and verifiable.
According to him, any attempt to undermine the collective decision of the people will be an affront to the will of the people.
Leadership reports that Ugochiyere has had a running battle with some political actors which had resulted in the death of some people and last minute change of location for rallies even as local government officials claim withdrawal of permission to use the venue.
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