Enugu Govt Denies Deaths in NDC Violence, Says One Injured
By Israella Njasi
The Enugu State Government has denied reports of fatalities in recent political violence involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), disclosing that one party member sustained a gunshot injury during a clash at the party’s state secretariat.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, made this known on Sunday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Enugu.
Onyia said the injured party member, identified as 43-year-old Ifeanyi Nworie, was initially taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further treatment.
He said the police had commenced an investigation into the incident, which occurred at the NDC secretariat in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Enugu, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The SSG also denied allegations that Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, was present at the scene and supervised the shooting. According to him, Osondu was attending a Teachers Grassroots Movement rally with the governor at Okpara Square when the incident occurred.
On the separate confrontation involving NDC members at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Onyia said the party had planned to hold a campaign flag-off at the facility without obtaining the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He alleged that security agencies had advised the party to secure the required authorisation before proceeding with the event but that members went ahead with their mobilisation, resulting in a confrontation with security personnel.
The state government distanced itself from the airport incident, describing it as a matter involving the party and federal authorities.
Onyia condemned political violence and urged political parties and their supporters to pursue their activities peacefully as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He further alleged that some opposition elements were planning to introduce armed thugs and bandits into the state to cause panic, although he did not provide specific evidence to support the claim.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and ensuring that citizens can freely participate in political activities regardless of their affiliations.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the secretariat shooting and determine responsibility for the incident.
