Julius Abure, (red shirt, broad-brimmed hat) the leader of Nigeria’s opposition party Labour Party (LP), escaped a fire at his Abuja residence early Wednesday. The party suspects arson and a possible assassination attempt.
According to a statement issued by the party’s national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the fire broke out around 1:00 a.m. while Abure and his family were asleep. Trapped by the flames, they were only able to escape after neighbors and security personnel created an exit through a window.
Abure and his family received medical attention, but their condition is stable. “Abure and his family were rushed to a private hospital where they are presently receiving treatment. Their condition is however stable,” the statement read.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the LP strongly believes it was a deliberate act targeting Abure’s life. Nigerian authorities have not commented yet, but a full investigation is expected.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
