Odii Campaign Raises Alarm Over Alleged 20-Man ‘Hit Squad’ in Ezza LGs

The campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has raised the alarm over the alleged emergence of an unauthorised 20-man armed group operating in Ezza North and Ezza South Local Government Areas of the state.

The campaign organisation, in a statement by its spokesperson, Chief Emma Igwe, alleged that the group was formed by some stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi Central and had allegedly been tasked with carrying out political violence, arson and intimidation against opposition figures in Ezza land.

According to the statement, supporters and leaders loyal to Odii could be among the alleged targets of the group.

The campaign organisation further alleged that the group was operating under the name “Anti-Cult Task Force” and was planning to use the official cover of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Ebonyi State Police Command to legitimise its activities.

It also claimed that the group had allegedly received directives to attack and burn the residences and properties of prominent opposition stakeholders across Ezza land.

The organisation alleged further that there was a leadership tussle within the group involving two individuals purportedly serving as aides to the Ebonyi State Governor, adding that a high-ranking political figure in Ezza Nation was allegedly working to resolve the dispute and streamline the group's operations.

The Odii campaign also called on the Ebonyi State Police Command to clarify allegations that the purported leaders of the group had boasted of receiving tacit approval from senior officials within the command.

It urged the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other national security agencies to investigate the allegations and take steps to dismantle any unauthorised armed group operating in Ezza land.

The organisation said democratic engagement should not be replaced by political violence, stressing that the safety of citizens and protection of lives and property were constitutional rights irrespective of political affiliation.

It urged residents and supporters of the PDP in Ezza North, Ezza South and other parts of Ebonyi State to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while calling on security agencies to investigate the allegations.

The campaign organisation reaffirmed its commitment to peace, democratic norms and the rule of law.