Tension has heightened in parts of Enugu State following a series of reported incidents of political violence targeting opposition party activities, with campaign materials and meeting venues allegedly destroyed and at least eight persons reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.
The incidents, which occurred in separate locations on Saturday, September 12, 2026, have renewed concerns over the safety of political gatherings in the state as activities ahead of the forthcoming elections gather momentum.
In Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area, a campaign rally being organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Candidate for Enugu East Senatorial Zone, NKC Kingsley Chizoba, popularly known as Odaa Opuo, was reportedly disrupted after suspected hoodlums allegedly stormed the venue.
Chairs and canopies reportedly arranged for the rally were said to have been destroyed during the incident, throwing the gathering into confusion and raising fresh concerns among party supporters and residents over the safety of political activities.
Another incident was reportedly recorded at Obuofia Ward, where alleged political thugs were said to have stormed a ward meeting and fired shots sporadically.
According to reports, eight persons sustained gunshot injuries and were subsequently rushed to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) for medical attention.
Among those reportedly injured was Hon. Donald Onovo, the Obuofia Ward Councillor and a member of the NDC, while three other persons were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds.
The latest incidents have heightened fears that the state could be witnessing a disturbing return of the era when political meetings and campaign activities were allegedly marred by violence, intimidation and destruction.
The developments also come barely a week after a PDP meeting in Akpugo Ward 3, Nkanu West Local Government Area, was reportedly disrupted by gunmen.
Enugu citizens call on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a swift and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice
With the latest reports coming in quick succession, questions are now being raised over the security of opposition party meetings and campaign activities across the state.
Political observers and residents are expected to watch closely as security agencies respond to the reported incidents and as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
For many, the growing reports of attacks on political gatherings are a worrying reminder that the peaceful conduct of the electoral process must be protected by all stakeholders.
