Snake Attacks Journalists In Nigeria
SOME judiciary correspondents in Umuahia, Abia State capital in Eastern Nigeria, narrowly escaped an attack by a snake
suspected to be python Monday night after a meeting with the state lawmaker at his private residence, AkanimoReports
learnt on Wednesday.
Mr Ikedi Ezekwesiri representing Umunneochi constituency in Abia House of Assembly had invited some judiciary
correspondents for a friendly parley at his house located in Isieke area of Umuahia and the for yet to be ascertained
reason.
The lawmaker had recently being in the news over a court case which he was accused for perjury and presentation of
forged degree certificate to INEC during the 2011 election.
A journalist who attended the meeting told the newsmen on Tuesday in Umuahia that they visit almost turned tragic when
on their way back they encountered a snake suspected to be a python at about 8.30pm.
``It was a rude shock when one of us who first left the lawmaker’s house screamed and we rushed out to see a big snake
well positioned at the middle of the road’’, he said.
He said the wild beast later entered a nearby bush when a vehicle light focused on it and people pelted stones and
sticks on it.
The source who pleaded anonymity quoted some natives as saying that the snake suspected to be a python have been seen by
some other persons in the past.
The journalist added, ``it was a thing of thanksgiving that none of us was attacked by the snake because the story would
have been different.’’
He said about ten journalists representing national dailies but based in Umuahia attended the meeting.
``About ten journalists attended the meeting and the lawmaker tactically avoided explaining the core motive for the
meeting, but lavishly entertained us.
``After the entertainment, he told us that he would send an emissary to see us next week Monday’’, he said.
Another journalist said that he suspected the aim of the meeting was to dissuade journalists from given attention to the
coverage of his court case pending before an Umuahia magistrate court presided over by Mrs Elizabeth Kanu. The case last
came on July 17, 2013 and was adjourned to Sept.25, 2013 for hearing.
It was leant that the lawmaker’s house located at Amaeke junction in Isieke area of Ibeku-Umuahia is surrounded by
bush.
ENDS