Enugu CP orders probe after gunmen disrupt NDC meeting, PDP rally - Punch Newspapers

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa. Credit: NPF

The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into separate attacks on political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state. The directive followed reports that suspected political thugs disrupted meetings of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. The attacks occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Ndiuno-Obuoffia community and St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, respectively. The police said the first incident involved armed hoodlums who allegedly stormed an NDC ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia and opened sporadic gunfire, injuring two attendees. At the second location in Agbani, hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs arranged for a PDP rally. The police statement did not identify the attackers or establish their political affiliation. However, the incidents have sparked allegations of the involvement of suspected thugs linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state. The police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the Commissioner. Ndukwe said Giwa had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to “thoroughly investigate” the two incidents and ensure that those responsible were “brought to book.” A video posted online by an activist, Chuks Eric, showed armed men suspected to be political thugs storming the gathering while party members were singing and listening to a speaker campaigning for the NDC. At least one person was reportedly shot during the attack, according to eyewitness accounts contained in the video seen by our correspondent. The attack reportedly occurred while the speaker was educating residents on how to identify and vote for the NDC by recognising its logo. In the video, members of the gathering could also be heard chanting that the NDC was for the South-East shortly before the armed men arrived and disrupted the meeting. Confirming the attack, the police said, “The first incident occurred at the Ndiuno-Obuoffia community, where it was alleged that armed hoodlums disrupted NDC ward meeting with sporadic shooting and injured two attendees.” The command also confirmed the attack on the PDP gathering at Agbani, saying, “The second occurred at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, where hoodlums also allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs prepared for a PDP rally.” Amosun mourns ex-PDP national chairman Bamanga Tukur C’River gov mourns Bamanga Tukur, says Nigeria lost a statesman Ibori mourns Bamanga Tukur, calls him man of accomplishments Following the reports, the police said its operatives were deployed to the two locations to prevent further violence and apprehend the fleeing suspects. “Police operatives were promptly deployed to both scenes upon receipt of the reports to prevent further breaches and track down the fleeing suspects,” the statement added. The command, however, said the organisers of the two gatherings had not notified the police or requested security coverage before the events. This, according to the police, was “despite no prior notification or request for police security coverage for either gathering.” The Commissioner warned political parties and their supporters against violence as political activities intensify in the state. Giwa reiterated the position he had earlier conveyed during a meeting with political party leaders in the state that “all political activities must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.” He also warned that “electoral offences remain punishable under the law,” urging political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to desist from acts capable of undermining public peace. The police said the Commissioner specifically warned against “violence, intimidation, destruction of property or any conduct capable of disrupting public peace and the electoral process.” Giwa further urged political parties to notify the police before holding political events to enable adequate security arrangements. “The Commissioner urges political parties and stakeholders to promptly notify the Police of their campaigns, meetings, rallies and other gatherings to facilitate appropriate security arrangements,” Ndukwe quoted him as saying. The Commissioner assured residents that the command would continue to protect lawful political activities across the state. “He assures the public that the Command will continue to maintain a peaceful and secure environment for lawful political activities and deal decisively with anyone who violates the law,” the statement said. The latest attacks have raised fresh concerns over the safety of political gatherings in Enugu as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. Raphael Ede

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