ENUGU — The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Enugu State, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, has demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the shooting during a party ward meeting in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
Ohaa’s Media Aide, Hon. Sampson Ukwu, who represented the candidate during a visit to the injured party members receiving treatment, conveyed the demand following the attack at Ihuani Awkunanaw, Obuofia, on Saturday.
The Enugu State Police Command said armed hoodlums disrupted an NDC ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia with sporadic gunfire, injuring two attendees.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, subsequently directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible were brought to book.
Police operatives were also deployed to the scene to prevent further breaches and track down fleeing suspects.
The police said organisers of the NDC meeting, as well as a separate PDP gathering disrupted in the area on the same day, had not notified the command or requested security coverage.
The Command has not publicly identified the attackers or established their political affiliation or motive.
However, the NDC says more members were injured than initially reported by the police.
Ukwu, in a statement issued on behalf of Ohaa, said the party had identified eight members who sustained gunshot injuries. They are Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.
Ukwu said the injuries were severe, with some victims allegedly having bullets lodged in different parts of their bodies and requiring further surgery.
He said Onovo Donald Ekene, a ward councillor, sustained gunshot wounds to the head, neck, leg and hand, while Gloria Ogbodo was shot in the right breast and hand.
He also said Obinna Owoh sustained wounds to both legs, both hands and the chest.
According to Ukwu, Nnaemeka Ugwu sustained injuries to the leg, hand and right eye, while Chinonso Nwagbara sustained multiple gunshot wounds, particularly to the back.
He said Onovo Victor was shot in the stomach and had six bullets removed during surgery that lasted more than four hours.
Ukwu added that the other victims with bullets reportedly lodged in their bodies were expected to undergo surgery as determined by their doctors.
He said the injured members were receiving medical care and were being supported by their families and party members.
Speaking through Ukwu, Ohaa described the condition of the victims as a painful reminder of what he called the growing incidence of political violence in the state.
“The sight of our members lying in hospital beds with bullets lodged in their bodies is a painful reminder of the growing culture of political violence in our state,” Ohaa said.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action on the incident, saying those responsible should be identified and brought to justice.
“No Nigerian should be shot or injured for attending a peaceful political meeting,” he said.
Ohaa added: “We will not be intimidated. We will continue our peaceful campaign until the will of Ndi Enugu prevails.”
The NDC has also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found responsible.
The police said the NDC incident was one of two political gatherings disrupted in Nkanu West on Saturday. At St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs prepared for a PDP rally.
The Commissioner of Police has urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and notify the police ahead of meetings, rallies and other political gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements.
The police investigation is expected to establish the identities of the attackers, the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether other persons were involved.
Ohaa and the NDC have said they will continue their political activities peacefully while demanding justice for the injured members.
