Two suspected political thugs allegedly sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were reportedly killed after they attacked the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Ezza South Constituency, Mr Rollins Offia Nwali, on Thursday afternoon.
Reports say the incident happened when Nwali’s motorcade was returning from the Amazekewe community when the security details attached to the NDC candidate, after securing the safety of Nwali and his team, engaged the hoodlums, who were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.
According to the reports, the security operatives returned fire, killing one of the attackers at the scene, while the second reportedly died in hospital.
According to SaharaReporters, sources identified one of the attackers who died during the exchange of fire 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,” the source alleged.
Meanwhile, the NDC candidate for Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Ezza South state Constituency, Mr Rollins Offia Nwali, has confirmed the attack in a post shared on his Facebook page.
While regretting the loss of lives, NWALIE appealed to youths to shun being used by individuals desperate for political power who have no genuine plans for them or their families.
He wrote: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Thank you all for your concern and support.”
The Ebonyi State Police Command had yet to speak on the matter.
