BREAKING: Suspected Political Thugs Killed After Attack on NDC Candidate’s Convoy in Ebonyi
Two suspected attackers have reportedly died following a gun battle with security personnel attached to Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon when armed men attacked Nwali’s convoy as it returned from Amazekewe community in Ebonyi State.
Security sources cited by Naija New House said the attackers were allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns when they opened fire on the convoy.
The security personnel accompanying the candidate reportedly returned fire after securing the safety of Nwali and his team.
One of the suspected attackers was said to have died at the scene, while another reportedly succumbed to injuries in a hospital.
A source identified the suspect who died at the scene as Jude Nwamgbada. However, the reported death of the second suspect and the identities and political affiliations of those involved could not be independently confirmed.
Nwali confirmed the attack in a Facebook post, revealing that his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze during the incident.
According to the candidate, no member of his team was harmed, and he praised the security operatives for their response.
He also expressed sympathy for the families of those reportedly killed in the confrontation, stressing that the loss of human life was regrettable.
The NDC candidate used the opportunity to warn young people against participating in political violence, urging them not to sacrifice their lives for politicians whose ambitions might not benefit them or their families.
Nwali maintained that intimidation and attacks would not stop him from pursuing his commitment to public service.
Fresh Concerns Over Political Violence
The attack has added to concerns over a series of reported violent incidents involving the NDC and its supporters in Nigeria’s South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Enugu State, suspected political thugs reportedly attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport on October 10, 2026.
The supporters had gathered to welcome the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, when violence reportedly erupted.
Video footage obtained showed people running for safety amid sporadic gunfire. The footage also reportedly captured a suspected attacker striking an NDC supporter with a plank while an army officer stood nearby.
Amnesty International later condemned the incident, raising concerns about what it described as a troubling pattern of attacks against opposition members.
Another attack was subsequently reported at the NDC secretariat in Enugu’s Government Reserved Area, where armed men allegedly opened fire during preparations for the party’s campaign flag-off.
A man repairing a vehicle sustained a gunshot injury, while five parked cars were reportedly damaged.
The violence also resulted in the death of Nworie Christopher, an NDC member from Affa community in Udi Local Government Area. He was shot during the attack on the party’s campaign office and died two days later, according to earlier reports.
The NDC condemned his death and accused those behind the attack of attempting to intimidate the opposition.
The party has further alleged that armed men attacked a ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on September 12, 2026, leaving eight members with gunshot injuries.
The Obidient Movement also accused the APC of political violence in Enugu, called for an end to the attacks and demanded the release of a young man reportedly arrested after recording the Obuoffia incident.
The Enugu State Government has denied involvement in the violence. Governor Peter Mbah has reportedly promised that those responsible for the attacks at the airport and NDC secretariat would be prosecuted.
The NDC, however, has called for an independent investigation into the incidents, urging the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
Police Yet to Comment on Ebonyi Incident
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Ebonyi State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, reportedly did not answer calls placed to his phone or respond to a message seeking clarification.
Meanwhile, the reported deaths of the two suspects, their identities and their alleged links to the APC have not been independently verified.
No independent confirmation was provided in the source report establishing the attackers’ political affiliations.
