Two suspected political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly been killed following an attack on the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Ezza South Constituency, Mr Rollins Offia Nwali.
According to security sources cited by SaharaReporters, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when Nwali’s motorcade was returning from Amazekewe community.
Sources told SaharaReporters on Friday that security personnel attached to the NDC candidate engaged the attackers after ensuring the safety of Nwali and his team. The hoodlums were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.
One of the attackers was reportedly killed at the scene during the exchange of gunfire, while the second allegedly died in a hospital. However, the report noted that the second death had not been independently confirmed.
One of the suspected attackers reportedly killed at the scene was identified by sources as Jude Nwamgbada.
A source alleged that the individuals involved were the same people who had attacked journalists in September. However, SaharaReporters said it could not independently verify the identities or political affiliations of the attackers.
Confirming the incident in a post on his Facebook page, Nwali said armed hoodlums opened fire on his convoy as it returned from Amazekewe, setting his Toyota Hilux ablaze.
“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. Thankfully, we are all safe, and I sincerely appreciate the professionalism and gallantry of the security agencies who ensured our safety,” he said.
Nwali also acknowledged reports of casualties among the attackers and expressed sympathy for those affected and their families.
“I have also been informed that there were casualties among those who carried out the attack. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to those affected and their families. Regardless of the circumstances, the loss of human life is deeply regrettable,” he added.
The candidate 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. 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 said.
He maintained that the incident would not deter him and his team from pursuing their political aspirations.
“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.
“Thank you all for your concern and support,” Nwali stated.
The Ebonyi incident comes amid a series of reported attacks involving the NDC and its supporters in Nigeria’s South-East, particularly in neighbouring Enugu State, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On October 10, 2026, suspected political thugs reportedly attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene, Enugu, as they gathered to welcome the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.
Video footage obtained by Premium Times reportedly showed supporters fleeing 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 attack, describing it as a ruthless assault and expressing concern over the reported pattern of violence against opposition members.
Violence was also reported at the NDC secretariat in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Enugu, where the party had planned to hold its campaign flag-off. Armed hoodlums allegedly opened fire, 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 also 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 described the killing as a dangerous escalation of political violence against the opposition, while its governorship candidate, Ohaa, vowed that the party would not be silenced.
The party had also alleged that armed attackers stormed a ward meeting at Obuoffia in Nkanu West 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 action against those responsible, including the release of a young man reportedly arrested after recording the Nkanu attack.
The Enugu State Government has denied involvement in the attacks, while Governor Peter Mbah reportedly vowed to prosecute those responsible for the airport and secretariat violence.
The NDC, however, has maintained that the repeated incidents point to a broader pattern of intimidation and called on the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the October 10 attacks and the earlier incident in Obuoffia.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Ebonyi State Police Command were reportedly unsuccessful. The publication said its spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, did not answer calls or respond to a message sent to him before the report was filed.
