The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) on Thursday raised the alarm over clampdown on the opposition parties in Imo state.

Calling on the Inspector General of Police to intervene in the alleged insecurity in the state, the CUPP urged the police boss to redeploy Mohammed Ahmed Barde, the Commission of Police in Imo state.

At a press conference in Abuja, the CUPP released video footage of the third attack on country home of its Spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere by unknown Gunmen on the 7th February, 2023.

This third attack, according to Mr. Mark Adebayo, 2nd Spokesperson of CUPP, who addressed the press conference, is coming less than a month after the second attack on 14th January where four people were killed including his uncle and property including houses and over thirty two vehicles worth over One Billion Naira were destroyed.

The CUPP also accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and the Commissioner of Police Imo State of knowing more than they are willing to say over the attack

The CUPP alleged that from amongst the attackers, men of the Imo State Police Command, Ebubeagu Network and at least one officer from the Force Intelligence and Investigation Bureau were identified from the video.

The Coalition called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the attack so as to unravel the mystery behind Unknown Gunmen in Imo State.

They also accused the Imo CP of colluding with the ruling party in the state to seize voter education and campaign materials belonging to Ugochinyere and the PDP as well as detaining and torturing those in possession of the materials for six days without charging them to Court or releasing them.

The CUPP said that the lawyer, who went to secure the bail of the arrested people was also arrested and detained but was released after three days.

They alleged that the Imo CP is shielded those responsible for voter register manipulation but only went ahead to charge innocent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff to Court, noting that the action has been struck out by the court for lack of evidence.

CUPP called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately redeploy Mr. Barde, the Imo CP for his involvement in politics.

They further called on the IGP to restrict Governor Hope Uzodimma from coming to Ideato on Election Day as the Governor had promised to spend the day in that constituency on 25th February.

CUPP called on both Local and Foreign election observers and also foreign missions to note Ideato as a flash point for possible election related violence due to the activities of the state government.(Daily Independent)

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