By Christopher Philomina
An Ebonyi State Artiste, Kelvin lbinabo, has been hospitalised after he was allegedly beaten by an aide to the Ebonyi State Governor.
According to Ibinabo, he was attacked on Saturday by the aide, alongside his loyalists and subsequently locked up in a dark room.
The aide, known as Machiavelli Uzo, is the coordinator of Ohaozara Development centre in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi state.
He stated that he was booked by the LGA chairman, Consider Ajah, to perform at his mother in-law burial in the council.
He also said that after nightfall, he asked his crew to pack up. ” it was at that point the Ohaozara development centre coordinator, Machiveli Uzo, emerged from nowhere and ordered me to play the campaign song of the APC governorship candidate in Ebonyi state.”
According to him, he declined the request because he was done with his performance and not political event.
“At that point , I had no choice and for the sake of peace, I picked up the microphone and started playing the song for him.
“After about 20 minutes, I dropped the microphone; but Mr Uzo again ordered me to pick up the microphone and play until he was satisfied.
“But I refused to sing and instead ordered my crew to pack up so we could leave the scene, At this point, the coordinator and his thugs descended on me with different weapons.
“After beating me to almost a comatose state, they whisked me into a room in the compound and locked me up.
“The police in Ohaozara later arrived , rescued me from the room and took me to the Alex Ekwneme federal university Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for treatment,” he added.
The victim said the Ohaozara council chairman was not around when the incident happened. Uzo, however, attacking the musician, whom he described as a friend. He also said that he pleaded with the artists to sing a song for him, which he agreed to.
“After that, we went inside the house and were making merry but after some time, he ( lbinabo) said he wanted to go outside and check something.
“The next thing I heard was a commotion with some people beating him and chasing him into the house. I was also surprised by the action of his attackers like others inside,” he added.
According to the Ebonyi state police spokesperson, SP Chris Anyanwu, said he was not aware of the incident.
“I am yet to hear and receive details of this, where did it happen? Who ordered him to sing the APC song?
“I will get across to the DPO of the area for details and give you detailed information. Please, calm down.”
