The National Secretariat of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, located at No 7 Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu, was yesterday attacked by unknown persons with objects suspected to be Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), resulting in the destruction of the building and some other important items.

The explosion, which led to a fire outbreak that was subsequently put off, affected some parts of the Akanu Ibiam Conference Hall of the secretariat.

The unfortunate development is a new dimension to the leadership crisis rocking the organisation.

The elders’ council of the organisation led by Chief Mbazulike Amaechi had recently constituted a Caretaker Committee with Chief Ralph Obioha as chairman. The action was, however, dismissed by Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Gary Enwo-Gariwey, who insists that he has a four-year mandate and not two years as some people claim.

Chief Ralph Obioha, who inspected the main hall affected by the blast, told reporters yesterday that it is an unfortunate incident.

“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 Ohanaeze. It is a mystery and I condemn it in its entirety. It’s actually a bomb issue but the motive cannot be explained,” he said.

Also commenting, Ohanaeze Secretary General, Dr. Joe Nworgu, said: “I don’t know the choice of that target whatsoever; it happened at about 8:45 p.m. I was alerted at about 8:55 p.m. It is unfortunate.”

Reacting to the incident, Enugu Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, said the explosion was not a bomb attack but an attempt by unknown persons to raze down the Ohanaeze building. He said the police was already in action to find those behind it and the motive.

•Adapted from a THISDAY report. Photo shows Ohanaeze President-General, Enwo-Gariwey.