Gunmen have killed Christopher Eleghu, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for Onuimo constituency in the Imo state house of assembly.
Eleghu was reportedly killed by the gunmen in his country home on Friday.
Michael Abattam, Imo police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation into the incident has commenced.
The gunmen were also said to have set ablaze Eleghu’s home and destroyed several properties.
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The killing of Eleghu comes amid several attacks in Imo over the past months, leading to killings, abductions, and destruction of property.
On December 12, gunmen attacked the head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
The gunmen attacked the INEC building with locally-made explosives, but the police officers stationed at the office were said to have confronted the gunmen, killing three persons in the process.
A section of the INEC facility was, however, razed.
In September, Joel Ndenkwo, traditional ruler of Isiala Umudi autonomous community in Nkwerre LGA of the state, was abducted by gunmen.
Ndenkwo has, however, regained his freedom.
In August, four police officers were killed in an attack on a police station by gunmen in Agwa, Oguta LGA of Imo state.