Two suspected political attackers have reportedly died following an armed assault on the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rollins Offia Nwali.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon as Nwali’s motorcade returned from Amazekewe community in Ebonyi State.
Sources said that armed men allegedly attacked the convoy with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, prompting security operatives attached to the candidate to return fire.
One of the alleged attackers reportedly died at the scene, while the second was said to have died later in hospital.
However, the identities of the deceased and their alleged political affiliations had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
One of the deceased was identified by a source as Jude Nwamgbada.
Nwali confirmed the attack in a statement posted on his Facebook page, disclosing that his convoy came under gunfire while returning from Amazekewe.
According to the candidate, his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely destroyed during the incident.
“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,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the security agencies for protecting him and members of his team, confirming that they were safe.
The NDC candidate also expressed sympathy over the reported casualties among the alleged attackers, describing the loss of human life as regrettable, irrespective of the circumstances.
Nwali subsequently appealed to young people in the state not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.
He warned that political ambition should not cost young people their lives, urging them to reject individuals who might seek to exploit them for personal political gains.
“As for us, we are prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to serve our people, and I assure you that no amount of intimidation or violence will deter us from this course,” he added.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Ebonyi State Police Command were unsuccessful.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, reportedly did not answer calls or respond to a message sent to him before the report was filed.
