There was commotion yesterday in Ihechiowa, Arochukwu Local government area of Abia state as the youths of the community resisted the efforts of the senatorial candidate of the APC and former governor of Abia state, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu to campaign in the community

According to some reports, the youths who were numerous resisted the campaign train of the former governor, insisting that Arochukwu is the home of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and that Dr Orji Uzor Kalu is not supposed to bring his campaign to an area where he neglected for 8 years as a governor.

According to reports, the process led to the firing of gunshots amidst the commotion of the ensuing crowd, leading to the unfortunate sustenance of injuries by some persons.

However, when contacted, the media aide of Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, Mr Maduka Okoro told our correspondent that the youths who stopped the convoy of Dr Kalu were those who did not partake in the cash gifts given to the youths of the community.

According to him, “the ones who blocked the convoy of Dr Kalu were those who did not get their share of Dr Kalu’s largesse and insisted that theirs be given to them. They withstood a segment of our convoy after Dr Kalu had left, looking very fierce and probably armed, the security details attached to the convoy had to shoot to the air to disperse the mob.”

Furthermore, Mr Okoro narrated how assailants he alleged to be loyal to the incumbent senator, Dr Mao Ohuabunwa trailed the convoy of Dr Orji Uzor Kalu with guns believed to be pump action when he visited Abam for a campaign tour.

It remains a battle of strategies and wits, as the outcome of the senatorial election in Abia north cannot at the moment be said to be predictable in the race between the three major candidates; the incumbent, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; former governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief David Onuoha Ogba (Bourdex).

However, the attack on the campaign trains of opponents seems not to be a new thing, as some youths early last year in Abiriba, attacked the convoy of senator Mao Ohuabunwa on a visit to the paramount traditional ruler of Abiriba Enyi Enachioken.