Two suspected political thugs have been killed after they attacked the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr Rollins Offia Nwali, security sources have said.
The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon as Nwali’s motorcade was returning from Amazekewe community .
THE ATTACK
According to security sources, the assailants were armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns. Security details attached to the NDC candidate engaged the attackers after securing the safety of Nwali and his team.
One of the attackers was killed at the scene. The second reportedly died in hospital.
Sources identified one of the deceased attackers as Jude Nwamgbada.
“They are the same APC people that attacked journalists in September. They attacked 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. This one that died on the spot is Jude Nwamgbada,” a source said.
THE CANDIDATE’S ACCOUNT
Nwali confirmed the attack in a post on his Facebook page.
“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.
He acknowledged the casualties among the attackers.
“I have also been informed that there were casualties among those who carried out the attack. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to those affected and their families. Regardless of the circumstances, the loss of human life is deeply regrettable,” he said .
THE APPEAL TO YOUTHS
Nwali urged young people not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.
“I want to appeal to our young people to please understand what we have been saying. Do not allow yourselves to be used by individuals desperate for political power who have no genuine plans for you or your families. No political ambition is worth the life of any young person, and no young person should have to lose their life in pursuit of another person’s political ambition,” he said .
He vowed that the attack would not deter him.”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 said .
THE POLICE RESPONSE
The Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, did not answer calls placed to his telephone and had not responded to a message seeking clarification as of the time of the report.
The identities and political affiliations of the attackers could not be independently verified .
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WHY IT MATTERS
The attack on Nwali’s convoy is the latest incident of political violence in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
The fact that the assailants were armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns suggests a level of organization and lethality that goes beyond ordinary thuggery.
For Nwali, the attack is a reminder of the risks faced by opposition candidates in a state where the ruling party controls the security apparatus.
For the people of Ezza South, it is a warning that the 2027 election may be contested not at the ballot box but in the streets.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the investigation is ongoing. The police have not commented.