Two suspected APC thugs killed after attack on NDC candidate in Ebonyi

Two suspected political thugs have reportedly died following an attack on the convoy of Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Ebonyi State House of Assembly seat representing Ezza South Constituency.

According to security sources cited by Very Nigerian, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as Nwali’s motorcade was returning from Amazekewe community in Ebonyi State.

Sources told the online newspaper on Friday that security personnel attached to the candidate engaged the suspected attackers after ensuring the safety of Nwali and members of his team.

The assailants were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns. One of them reportedly died at the scene during an exchange of gunfire, while the second was said to have died later in hospital.

One of the deceased suspects was identified by a source as Jude Nwamgbada. However, SaharaReporters said it could not independently verify the identities or political affiliations of those involved.

A source quoted by the publication alleged that the suspects were affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and had previously been involved in an attack on journalists in September.

The source also claimed that the second suspect died in hospital on Friday morning, although the source acknowledged lacking definitive confirmation of the death.

Nwali Confirms Attack, Says Hilux Was Burnt

Nwali confirmed the attack in a statement posted on his Facebook page, saying armed men opened fire on his convoy as it returned from Amazekewe.

He disclosed that his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely destroyed during the incident but said he and his team escaped unharmed.

“My motorcade was attacked today by armed hoodlums who opened fire on our vehicles while we were returning from Amazekewe. My Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely burnt in the attack,” he said.

The candidate commended the security agencies for their response, expressing appreciation for what he described as their professionalism and gallantry in ensuring the safety of his team.

He also acknowledged reports of casualties among the suspected attackers, expressing sympathy for those affected and their families.

“Regardless of the circumstances, the loss of human life is deeply regrettable,” he said.

Nwali subsequently appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians pursuing personal ambitions.

“I want to appeal to our young people to please understand what we have been saying. Do not allow yourselves to be used by individuals desperate for political power who have no genuine plans for you or your families,” he said.

“No political ambition is worth the life of any young person, and no young person should have to lose their life in pursuit of another person’s political ambition.”

He maintained that the incident would not deter him from pursuing his political ambition or serving his constituents.

“As for us, we are prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to serve our people, and I assure you that no amount of intimidation or violence will deter us from this course,” he added.

NDC, Supporters Previously Targeted in Enugu

The incident comes amid reports of attacks targeting the NDC and its supporters in Nigeria’s South-East, particularly in neighbouring Enugu State.

The party has accused the APC of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against its members ahead of the 2027 general elections. Those allegations have not, in the material provided, been independently established.

On October 10, 2026, suspected political thugs reportedly attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene, Enugu, where party members had gathered to welcome the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

Footage obtained by Premium Times reportedly showed supporters running for safety amid sporadic gunfire. At least one suspected attacker was seen allegedly striking an NDC supporter with a plank in the presence of an army officer.

Amnesty International subsequently condemned the reported incident, describing it as a “ruthless attack” and expressing concern over what it viewed as a troubling pattern of violence against opposition members.

Violence was also reported at the NDC secretariat in Enugu’s Government Reserved Area, where the party had planned to hold its campaign flag-off.

According to the report, armed men opened fire at the venue, injuring a man who was repairing a vehicle and damaging five parked cars. The Enugu State Police Command reportedly ordered an investigation into the shooting.

The incident claimed the life of Nworie Christopher, an NDC member from Affa in Udi Local Government Area, who was shot during the attack on the party’s campaign office and later died from his injuries.

The NDC condemned the killing as “a dangerous escalation of political violence against the opposition in the state”, while Ohaa vowed that the party would not be silenced.

The party also alleged that armed attackers stormed a ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on September 12, 2026, leaving eight members with gunshot injuries.

The Obidient Movement subsequently accused the APC of political violence in Enugu and called for the release of a young man reportedly arrested after recording the Obuoffia incident.

The Enugu State Government has denied involvement in the attacks. Governor Peter Mbah has also reportedly vowed to ensure that those responsible for the airport and secretariat incidents are prosecuted.

The NDC, however, has called on the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the October 10 incidents and the earlier attack in Obuoffia.

Police Yet to Respond to Ebonyi Incident

Efforts by SaharaReporters to obtain a response from the Ebonyi State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time the report was filed.

The publication said the command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, did not answer calls placed to him and did not respond to a text message sent to him.

As of the time of reporting, the identities and political affiliations of the suspected attackers, as well as the reported circumstances surrounding their deaths, had not been independently verified.

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