Enugu Condemns NDC Violence, Denies Reported Death

By Atlantic Reports

The Enugu State Government has condemned violence involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at two locations in the state capital, saying a party member who sustained a gunshot wound survived and is receiving medical attention.

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, gave the government’s account at a briefing on Sunday following Saturday’s incidents at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in the Government Reserved Area.

The party is registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission as the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Political Parties

Onyia disputed reports that Ifeanyi Nworie, 43, died during the secretariat incident. He said Nworie was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he was stabilised before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further examination.

“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” he said.

The absence of fatalities remains the government’s stated position. The account supplied does not include an independent medical confirmation of Nworie’s condition.

Government Explains Airport Confrontation

Onyia said the airport incident followed the party’s mobilisation of supporters for a proposed “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026”.

According to him, police advised organisers to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) before security personnel could be deployed for the event.

He alleged that the party proceeded without securing that approval and that an attempt by members to force their way into the airport led to a confrontation with airport authorities.

Security agencies subsequently intervened to restore order, he said.

This explanation represents the state government’s account. The material supplied does not contain a response from the party or a statement from FAAN confirming the approval arrangements.

Secretariat Shooting Under Investigation

Onyia said security reports established that a violent clash occurred at the NDC secretariat and that police were investigating.

He also rejected allegations that Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer supervised the shooting. According to the SSG, the officer was accompanying the governor at a Teachers’ Grassroots Movement rally at Okpara Square when the incident occurred.

The briefing did not establish who fired the shot that injured Nworie or identify those responsible for the secretariat violence.

“The Enugu State Government strongly condemns any form of violence, including politically motivated violence,” Onyia said.

“We welcome healthy debate, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, but these rights must be exercised responsibly.”

He urged political parties to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Further Allegations Require Evidence

Onyia accused some opposition figures of attempting to portray Enugu as unsafe and the administration as intolerant of political opposition.

He also alleged that internal disputes within opposition parties had sometimes led to violence subsequently blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Referring to a September 12 incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area, he said investigators had identified suspects who were being prosecuted.

The SSG further alleged that some opposition elements planned to recruit armed thugs and bandits to destabilise the state before the elections. The supplied account contains no supporting documents or named suspects for that allegation.

The police investigation remains central to establishing responsibility for the shooting, clarifying the circumstances of both incidents and ensuring accountability for the violence.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.