Two suspected political thugs were killed in Ebonyi State on Thursday afternoon after launching an armed assault on the motorcade of Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate for the Ezza South Constituency in the State House of Assembly. The incident occurred as the candidate and his team were returning from a visit to the Amazekewe community.
According to security and insider sources, the assailants intercepted the convoy and opened fire using automatic rifles and pump-action weapons. Security personnel attached to the candidate immediately returned fire after securing the safety of Nwali and other members of his entourage. One of the attackers was killed instantly at the location, while a second suspect reportedly succumbed to injuries the following morning after being hospitalized.
Candidate Rollins Offia Nwali confirmed the violent encounter through a statement shared on social media, noting that his Toyota Hilux vehicle was set ablaze and completely destroyed during the exchange. Nwali praised the security personnel for their professional response, which prevented further casualties among his campaign team. He also expressed regret over the loss of life and urged young people to reject exploitation by politicians seeking power through intimidation and violence.
The latest incident in Ebonyi adds to a growing series of violent encounters involving opposition figures and supporters across the South-East region ahead of upcoming elections. Earlier incidents in neighboring Enugu State include armed assaults on party supporters at an airport and campaign secretariat, which left multiple individuals injured and resulted in at least one fatality among opposition members.
Law enforcement authorities have faced scrutiny regarding their response to the surge in political violence. While state officials in affected areas have denied involvement and promised investigations, opposition representatives continue to demand thorough, independent inquiries by federal police leadership to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure safety for all political participants.
Source reporting: Sahara Reporters — 2026-10-23 10:33:42
0 comments
Join the discussion with a respectful, relevant comment.