Explosion Rocks Ohanaeze Secretariat In Enugu

IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu – A bomb explosion on Monday rocked the National secretariat of the apex Igbo socio cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, located at Parks Avenue Government Reservation Area, Enugu.

The nefarious act, perpetrated by unknown hoodlums, damaged some parts of the building and infrastructure in it.

The explosion, equally led to a fire out break that was subsequently put off, after it had affected parts of the main hall of the Secretariat where major meetings of the Igbo body are held.

Though, no life was lost, but sources close to secretariat said the explosion went off with a bang which rocked the entire vicinity.

African Examiner reports that the explosion is coming on the heels of a recent leadership wrangling in the body, which has pitched its president- General, chief Enwo Igariwey led leadership against the Elders Council of organization, led by elder statesman, and ex- Aviation minister, Mbazuluike Amechi.

While the executive is claiming a four year tenure the elders council has constituted a caretaker committee led by Chief Ralph Obioha, insisting that the two-years tenure of the executive elapsed on January 7th this year.

Chairman of the caretaker committee Chief Ralph Obioha who inspected the Ohanaeze main hall affected by the blast told newsmen tuesday that it is an unfortunate incident.

He said: “I have inspected the place it’s quite an extensive damage. I can’t guess the motive or why such an attack should be targeted at Ohaneze. Its a mystery and I condemn it in its entirety.

“It’s actually a bomb issue but the motive cannot be explained.”

In his reaction, the embattled Secretary General of Ohanaeze Dr. Joe Nworgu said; “I don’t know the choice of that target whatsoever; It happened at about 8:45; I was alerted at about 8:55 PM. Its unfortunate.”

The Enugu state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebere Amaraizu in his reaction, said the explosion was not a bomb attack but an attempt by unknown persons to raze down the Ohanaeze building.

He said the police have already commenced investigation with a view to apprehending those behind the unholy act.