The New Democratic Congress (NDC) has released fresh details on the gun attack at its ward meeting in Ihuani Awkunanaw, Obuofia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, saying eight of its members sustained gunshot injuries in the incident.
The development comes after Newsmaxng reported earlier that two people were shot when gunmen attacked the party’s grassroots meeting on Saturday, September 12.
In a statement issued by Hon. Sampson Ukwu, media aide to the NDC governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, the party said its members had gathered for a state-wide monthly ward meeting when “hoodlums invaded the venue and opened fire on peaceful party faithfuls.”
The eight people identified by the party as injured are Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.
The party also said canopies, chairs and party materials were vandalised and destroyed during the attack.
Describing the incident as “a clear act of political thuggery,” the NDC said it followed what it described as a pattern of similar attacks on its political gatherings in Akpugo and Obe wards in Nkanu West.
The party condemned the attack and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
“We call on the Enugu State Police Command, the Department of State Services, DSS, and all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this attack, fish out the perpetrators, and bring them to justice,” the statement said.
The NDC also cited Sections 33(1) and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for the right to life and freedom of assembly and association.
Reacting to the incident, Ohaa said the attack would not stop the party from continuing its political activities in the state.
“The entire NDC family in Enugu State remain undeterred. We will not be intimidated. We will not abandon our people,” he said.
He added that the party would continue its “peaceful and issue-based campaign” until the 2027 elections.
The statement did not identify the attackers or state whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident.