The Enugu State Police Command has ordered an investigation into an alleged shooting outside the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) secretariat, while the party alleges that its supporters were attacked during its campaign flag-off on Saturday.
The state’s police public relations officer, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement issued in Enugu on Sunday, said the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to identify and apprehend those responsible for the alleged shooting.
According to the police, the incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, leaving a man repairing a vehicle parked along the road with a suspected gunshot injury. The incident also reportedly damaged the windscreens of five parked vehicles.
“Upon receiving a distress report, Police operatives promptly moved to the scene, restored normalcy and rushed the injured victim to a hospital, where he is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition,” the statement said.
The command also reported a separate incident at about 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the entrance to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, where joint police and military operatives dispersed people it described as suspected NDC members.
The police said preliminary findings indicated that airport authorities had restricted party members from entering the airport in large numbers to receive their governorship candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa.
According to the statement, a misunderstanding reportedly arose among the party members and escalated into a fight, prompting the intervention of the joint security operatives.
The Commissioner of Police urged political parties and their members to shun violence and conduct their activities in accordance with the law and existing peace accords.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties and advised them to notify the police of planned activities to facilitate adequate security arrangements.
NDC Alleges Attacks at Airport
In a statement dated October 10 and signed by Sampson Ukwu, Media Aide to Ohaa, the NDC condemned what it described as “violent and coordinated attacks” against its members and supporters during the campaign flag-off.
The party said thousands of NDC members, supporters of the Obidient Movement and members of the Kwankwasiya group had gathered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport to welcome Ohaa but were denied entry.
The NDC alleged that hoodlums attacked its supporters in the presence of police and other security operatives, causing head injuries and damaging vehicles.
The party also accused police officers of firing tear gas at its supporters and discharging several gunshots, allegedly causing panic and injuries.
According to the statement, an NDC member, Mr. Moses Arisi, sustained serious head injuries. The party further alleged that a journalist with Signature TV was assaulted, pushed to the ground and had his phone seized. Other journalists covering the event were also reportedly attacked, according to the NDC.
The police, in their account of the airport incident, said a misunderstanding among party members reportedly escalated into a fight, necessitating the intervention of joint security operatives.
NDC Reports Gunfire at Campaign Office
The NDC said its members subsequently moved in a large convoy to Ohaa’s campaign office in the GRA, Enugu, for the statewide campaign flag-off.
According to the party, the gathering attracted thousands of supporters, almost all NDC candidates in the state, the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Omeje Frank, and Prof. Ene Nwannaji.
The party alleged that hoodlums invaded the venue and opened fire in an attempt to kill its members.
It identified three members of the Kwankwasiya group whom it said sustained gunshot injuries as Umar Abdulkarim, Muhammad Musa and Hassan Gora.
The NDC further claimed that another member was shot and left lying in a pool of blood before being rushed to hospital.
According to the party, its members resisted the attackers and chased them away, allowing the programme to continue and conclude.
The police statement confirmed an alleged shooting outside the NDC secretariat at about 2:30 p.m. but did not specifically address the party’s allegations of gunfire at the campaign office or the reported injuries to its supporters.
Ohaa Condemns Alleged Attacks
Addressing journalists at his residence later on Saturday, Ohaa called on elders and former governors of Enugu State to remind the current administration of its responsibility to protect the lives and property of residents.
He described the incidents as evidence of what he characterised as desperation among those in power, while insisting that the alleged attacks would not derail the party’s campaign.
“Today’s attack at the airport and at our campaign office shows the level of desperation and fear in the camp of those in power. They are afraid of the people. They are afraid of the truth. But no amount of violence will stop the will of Ndi Enugu. We will continue this journey peacefully, lawfully, and with even greater determination until victory is secured in 2027,” he said.
Ohaa said his candidacy was driven by an issue-based agenda focused on the interests of the people.
“I am in this race on a clear and uncompromising mandate: to rescue Enugu State for Ndi Enugu through an issue-based campaign… Governance must serve the people, not oppress them,” he said.
He added, “We will not be intimidated. The NDC remains resolute. This is a Rescue Mission for Ndi Enugu, and it will succeed.”
NDC Calls for Investigation
The NDC called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other relevant security agencies to investigate the reported incidents, arrest those responsible and prosecute the alleged perpetrators and their sponsors.
“The lives of our members matter,” the statement said.
The party reiterated its commitment to its MEGA agenda, meaning “Make Enugu Great Again,” and said the alleged attacks would not stop its political activities.
