One Feared Dead, Several Injured as Gunmen Ambush Ebonyi Assembly Candidate's Convoy

Political tensions in Ebonyi State have escalated following an alleged violent attack on the campaign convoy of Barr. Rollins Offia Nwali, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Ezza South State Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

The incident, which occurred at two separate locations within the Amaezekwe Community in Ezza South Local Government Area, reportedly left one person dead and several others with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A campaign vehicle was also set ablaze.

Anatomy of an Ambush

According to preliminary accounts, the crisis unfolded when Barr. Nwali and his team were en route to meet with polling unit canvassers in the community. Sources close to the campaign claim that advance information reached the candidate indicating that government officials, accompanied by armed hoodlums, had laid siege to the venue. The armed men reportedly issued warnings that they possessed strict orders to block opposition candidates from campaigning across Ebonyi State during ongoing local council chairmen swearing-in ceremonies.

Sensing imminent danger, Nwali ordered his convoy to abort the trip and turn back. However, the retreat was met with heavy resistance.

The First Clashes: Suspected political thugs aboard motorcycles and tricycles reportedly opened fire on the retreating convoy. Security personnel attached to the candidate, including Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, returned fire, triggering a fierce shootout. About five persons reportedly sustained gunshot wounds, and one person was confirmed dead at the scene.

The Second Attack: A few metres away from the initial site, a second wave of attackers—allegedly arriving in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle and tricycles—ambushed the convoy anew. A state government appointee was reportedly accused of leading this second faction, which proceeded to torch a 2024 Toyota Hilux campaign vehicle.

Civil Society Demands Police Overhaul

Reacting swiftly to the bloodletting, the Ebonyi Democratic Movement (EDM) strongly condemned the attack, laying the blame squarely on the doorstep of the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police for failing to arrest the recurring cycle of political violence in the state.

Addressing journalists, the Chairman of the EDM, Chief Emmanuel Igwe Chidi, argued that the command’s failure to prosecute individuals implicated in past electoral violence—despite formal petitions tendered to both the state police command and the Inspector-General of Police—has created an environment of total impunity.

"Democracy cannot survive where political competition is allegedly settled through intimidation, gunfire, and the destruction of property rather than the ballot box," Igwe stated.

Recalling a previous nationwide protest organized by the movement over the deteriorating security situation and the targeted persecution of opposition figures in the state, Chief Igwe issued a three-point demand:

Immediate Redeployment: An urgent call on the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police to restore public confidence and police neutrality.

Comprehensive Investigation: A transparent, thorough investigation into the Amaezekwe attacks to fish out and prosecute all culprits, regardless of their government office or political alignment.

Guaranteed Security: Adequate protection for all political candidates, opposition figures, and their supporters, emphasizing that no public official holds the prerogative to subvert constitutional rights to peaceful political assembly and campaign mobilization.

As of the time of filing this report, official statements from the Ebonyi State Police Command and government spokespersons regarding the casualties and allegations are still being awaited.