Two suspected political thugs were reportedly killed after attacking the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rollins Offia Nwali.
Security sources revealed that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as Nwali’s convoy was returning from Amazekewe community.
Sources said the attackers, who were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, opened fire on the convoy before security operatives attached to the candidate engaged them.
According to the sources, the security personnel successfully secured Nwali and members of his team before returning fire at the attackers.
One of the suspected attackers was reportedly killed at the scene, while another was said to have died later in a hospital.
One of those reportedly killed was identified as Jude Nwamgbada.
A source alleged that the suspected attackers were members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and linked them to a previous attack on journalists in September.
“They are the same APC people that attacked journalists in September. They attacked the NDC House Assembly candidate, but DSS officers attached to him repelled them and killed one.
“The second one is also alleged to have died this morning in hospital, though I don’t have concrete confirmation of his death. The one who died on the spot is Jude Nwamgbada,” the source said.
Nwali later confirmed the attack in a post on his Facebook page, saying his convoy came under fire from armed hoodlums while returning from Amazekewe.
He said his Toyota Hilux vehicle was set ablaze and completely destroyed during the attack, but added that he and members of his team escaped unhurt.
“My motorcade was attacked today by armed hoodlums who opened fire on our vehicles while we were returning from Amazekewe. My Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely burnt in the attack.
“Thankfully, we are all safe, and I sincerely appreciate the professionalism and gallantry of the security agencies who ensured our safety,” he wrote.
The NDC candidate also appealed to youths in the area not to allow themselves to be used for political violence by individuals seeking power.
He urged young people to reject attempts by politicians to use them for violence, saying such individuals had no genuine plans for their future or that of their families.
