Two suspected political thugs have reportedly been killed after allegedly attacking the convoy of Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as Nwali and his team returned from Amazekewe community, according to security sources cited by SaharaReporters.
The suspected attackers were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns when they opened fire on the candidate’s convoy.
Security operatives attached to Nwali reportedly returned fire after securing the candidate and other members of his team.
One of the suspected attackers was reportedly killed at the scene, while another died later in hospital.
A source identified the suspect killed at the scene as Jude Nwamgbada. However, the identity of the second reported fatality could not be independently verified.
Nwali confirmed the attack in a statement posted on Facebook, disclosing that his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely destroyed.
He expressed gratitude to security personnel for protecting him and his team, confirming that everyone in the convoy escaped unharmed.
The NDC candidate also expressed regret over the reported loss of life, urging young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians pursuing power without genuine plans for their future.
“No political ambition is worth the life of any young person,” Nwali warned, insisting that the attack would not deter him from pursuing his political ambition.
A source also alleged that some of the suspected attackers were connected to an earlier incident involving journalists in September. The allegation could not be independently verified.
SaharaReporters said it was unable to independently establish the identities and political affiliations of the attackers.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over reported attacks on NDC members and supporters in Nigeria’s South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In neighbouring Enugu State, NDC supporters were reportedly attacked on October 10, 2026, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene while waiting for the arrival of the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.
Video footage obtained by Premium Times reportedly showed supporters fleeing amid sporadic gunfire. One suspected attacker was also seen striking an NDC supporter with a plank in the presence of an army officer.
Amnesty International condemned the incident, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of violence against opposition members.
Another attack was reportedly recorded at the NDC secretariat in Enugu’s Government Reserved Area, where armed assailants allegedly opened fire during preparations for the party’s campaign flag-off.
The shooting reportedly left a man repairing a vehicle with a gunshot injury and damaged five parked cars.
The Enugu State Police Command subsequently ordered an investigation into the incident.
An NDC member, Nworie Christopher, from Affa in Udi Local Government Area, reportedly died from injuries sustained during the attack on the party’s campaign office.
The party described his death as a dangerous escalation of political violence, while Ohaa vowed that the NDC would not be intimidated into silence.
The NDC also alleged that armed attackers invaded a ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on September 12, leaving eight members with gunshot injuries.
The Obidient Movement subsequently accused the APC of political violence in Enugu and called for action against those responsible.
However, the Enugu State Government denied involvement in the attacks. Governor Peter Mbah pledged to ensure that those responsible for the incidents at the airport and party secretariat were prosecuted.
The NDC has continued to demand a thorough and independent investigation by the Inspector-General of Police into the reported attacks.
