NDC Condemns Gun Attack On Members In Nkanu Ward Meeting in Enugu State

The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has condemned an alleged attack on its members by suspected political thugs.

The party said the incident happened during its monthly ward meeting and vowed that such violence will not be allowed to repeat itself.

The attack, first reported by Daily Post, took place at Ihuani Awkunanaw in Obuofia, Nkanu Council Area.

The community is the ancestral home of the Awkunanaw people. It is also the hometown of the party's candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

According to a statement signed by his media aide, Hon. Sampson Ukwu, members had gathered peacefully for the statewide ward meeting when hoodlums stormed the venue.

The statement alleged that the attackers opened fire on party faithful.

Eight persons were said to have sustained gunshot injuries. They were identified as Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.

The party also said canopies, chairs and other party materials were vandalised and destroyed during the invasion.

Ohaa's camp described the incident as a clear case of political thuggery aimed at intimidating the opposition.

The party linked the attack to a worrying trend. It recalled similar disruptions in Akpugo and Obe wards in Nkanu West Local Government Area, where political gatherings were also attacked with gunfire.

In a strong-worded reaction, the NDC said no group has the right to turn Enugu streets into a battleground.

The statement cited the 1999 Constitution. It noted that Section 33(1) guarantees the right to life, while Section 40 guarantees freedom of assembly and the right to belong to any political party.

The party called on the Enugu State Police Command, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies to act quickly.

It demanded a thorough investigation, arrest and prosecution of those behind the shooting.

Ohaa, while condemning the violence, urged NDC members across Enugu State to stay calm but firm.

He charged the party family not to be deterred, stressing that the NDC will continue its peaceful, issue-based campaign ahead of 2027.

"We will not be intimidated. We will not abandon our people. The will of Ndi Enugu will prevail," he said, adding that enough is enough.