Political Tension: Two Injured As Gunmen Attack NDC Meeting, PDP Rally Hit In Enugu

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CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Political tension heightened in Enugu State on Saturday as suspected hoodlums allegedly disrupted two separate political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area, leaving two people injured and property damaged.

The incidents, which occurred at Ndiuno-Obuoffia community and Agbani, prompted the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, to order a thorough investigation and warn political actors against acts capable of threatening peace and the electoral process, according to a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe.

At Ndiuno-Obuoffia, armed hoodlums allegedly stormed an NDC ward meeting and opened fire sporadically, injuring two attendees.

In a separate incident at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, another group of hoodlums allegedly disrupted preparations for a PDP rally, destroying canopies and chairs arranged for the gathering.

Police operatives were immediately deployed to both locations following reports of the incidents, with the command saying efforts were launched to prevent further breaches and track down the fleeing suspects.

However, the police noted that neither of the political gatherings had been formally reported to the command or had police security requested for them before the incidents occurred.

CP Giwa has consequently directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the two incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

The Commissioner reiterated his warning to political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders that political activities must be conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law.

He stressed that electoral offences are punishable under Nigerian law, warning against violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other actions capable of disrupting public peace or undermining the electoral process.

CP Giwa also urged political parties and organisers to notify the police ahead of campaigns, meetings, rallies and other political gatherings to enable the command to make adequate security arrangements.

The Commissioner assured residents that the police would continue to provide a safe environment for lawful political activities while dealing decisively with individuals who violate the law.

The latest incidents have raised fresh concerns over the need for political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint as political activities intensify, with security agencies urging stakeholders to pursue their political ambitions without turning campaigns and rallies into theatres of violence.

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