There was mild tension in the Onicha local government area of Ebonyi on Sunday, as the Labour Party Senatorial Candidate in Ebonyi South, Hon Linus Okorie, was reportedly kidnapped on his way home on Sunday night.
Okorie represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo federal constituencies in the House of Representatives for two terms.
Concerned about the development, the youths in the Onuafor Enuagu Oniche Igboeze on Monday, barricaded all roads in the area to protest the alleged kidnapped of the former lawmaker.
“No movement until we see Hon. Linus”; “Onicha will be too hot for everybody,” they chanted at one of the barricades.
Labour Party reacts
National Chairman of LP, Comrade Julius Abure, in a statement in Abuja, on Monday, demanded the immediate release of its candidate, while calling on the authority concerned to take action with immediate effect.
“It is no longer news that some political actors in some Southeastern states particularly Ebonyi and Enugu, have vowed that Labour Party and its candidates will not be allowed to campaign freely in the zone.
“This is evident with incessant attacks on members and supporters of the Labour Party and that of our candidates, particularly, our presidential candidate.
“This night attack is viewed by the party as a furtherance of the determination of these political hirelings to frustrate the progressive incursion of the party across the nation and particularly in the South East.
“I therefore call on the Ebonyi state governor, His Excellency, Dave Umahi and the hierarchy of the security agencies particularly, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State to immediately effect the release of our senatorial prospect, Hon Linus Okorie,” he said.