The Enugu State Government has condemned Saturday’s attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) at two locations in the state, saying no life was lost during the attacks.
The government also dismissed reports that a party member, Ifeanyi Nworie, died during the incident at the party’s state secretariat, describing the claim as false.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said this while briefing journalists at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday.
Mr Onyia said the incidents occurred at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the NDC state secretariat in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Enugu, on Saturday.
He explained that the airport incident was a matter between the party and federal authorities, adding that the state government had taken steps to establish what transpired.
According to him, the NDC had published a notice inviting its supporters and members of the public to its proposed “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the airport.
He said the police advised the party to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) before security agents could be deployed for the event.
“Our findings revealed that the NDC did not secure FAAN’s approval to host a grand statewide rally at the airport.
“Security agencies, therefore, advised the organisers to reconsider the event, but the party went ahead to mobilise its members to the facility.
“The attempt to forcibly gain entry into the airport resulted in a faceoff between party members and airport authorities, prompting security agencies to intervene and restore order,” he said.
On the incident at the party’s state secretariat, Mr Onyia said security reports confirmed a violent clash, which was being investigated by the police.
He disclosed that a 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound during the incident.
“Our findings showed that Nworie was rushed 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 SSG reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, irrespective of political affiliation.
He said Governor Peter Mbah’s administration had invested heavily in security to sustain peace and create an enabling environment for investment and economic development.
“The Enugu State Government strongly condemns any form of violence, including politically motivated violence. We welcome healthy debate, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, but these rights must be exercised responsibly.
“Political parties should be models of good conduct, while politicians should embrace decorum and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Mr Onyia said.
He also dismissed allegations that the chief security officer (CSO) to the governor supervised the shooting at the NDC secretariat.
According to him, the governor’s CSO was with Mr Mbah at the Teachers’ Grassroots Movement mega rally held at Okpara Square, Enugu, at the time of the incident.
Mr Onyia accused some opposition figures of attempting to portray Enugu as unsafe and the government as intolerant of political opposition.
He alleged that internal leadership disputes among opposition parties had sometimes resulted in violent clashes, which were subsequently blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The SSG cited the September 12, incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area, saying investigations had identified suspects who were being prosecuted by the police.
He further alleged that the government uncovered plans by some opposition elements to recruit armed thugs and bandits to create insecurity in the state ahead of the 2027 general election.
Mr Onyia maintained that the Mbah administration had no reason to undermine opposition activities, expressing confidence that the governor’s performance would earn him re-election in 2027.
(NAN)
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