Gunmen suspected to be assassins, on Tuesday, killed the Peoples Democratic Party youth leader in the Oru-East Local Government Area of Imo State, Kenneth Amukamara.

The hoodlums also burnt Kenneth’s house and damaged the vehicles of his brother, who is said to be a retired soldier.

The incident, which happened at Umuokwe, Eziawo 1, in the local government area, heightened tension in the area.

A journalist, Don Uba, who spoke on the killing of the youth leader, said residents of the area were in panic.

Uba said, “The Peoples Democratic Party youth leader in the Oru-East LGA, Kenneth Amukamara, was assassinated this morning (Tuesday) in his country home.

“His house was set ablaze too. Efforts made to confirm the ugly incident from the Imo State PDP Youth Leader, Greg Nwadike, who travelled to Abuja for an official assignment, proved abortive as of the time of making this post.

“Information had it that his elder brother was targeted too for assassination, but he was able to escape as he is a retired military officer. Kenneth’s house and vehicles were not spared as they were set ablaze and vandalised.”

The PDP State Youth Leader, Greg Nwadike, said in a statement on Tuesday that apart from killing Kenneth, the assailants also set the deceased’s house on fire.

Nwadike said the party, especially the youth wing, was saddened by the killing.

The statement read in part, “Finally confirming the assassination of the PDP LGA Youth Leader for Oru-East LGA, Imo State, Kenneth Amukamara.

“He was assassinated on Monday night at his home in Awo-Omamma by assailants and his house was said to have been set ablaze.

“Sketchy information available say two other members of his family were also killed.

“I had variously cautioned Imo youths to stay away from trouble and be safe. May his soul rest in peace.”

But the police spokesman in the state, Bala Elkana, said the incident had not been reported at any police formation in the state.