Two suspected political thugs have been killed following an attack on the convoy of Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon as Nwali and his team were returning from Amazekewe community.
Security operatives attached to the candidate reportedly engaged the attackers in a gunfight after securing the safety of Nwali and his entourage.
Politics Nigeria reports that security sources said the assailants were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns. One of the suspected attackers was killed at the scene, while the second reportedly died later in hospital.
One of the deceased attackers was identified as Jude Nwamgbada.
A source alleged that the attackers were linked to an earlier incident involving journalists in September.
“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 source was quoted as saying.
The source added that the second suspect was alleged to have died in hospital but noted that the death had yet to be conclusively confirmed.
Nwali confirmed the attack in a statement posted on his Facebook page, disclosing that his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze during the incident.
“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,” he said.
The candidate expressed gratitude to the security agencies for protecting him and his team, adding that he had been informed of casualties among the attackers.
He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and their families, describing the loss of human life as 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,” Nwali said.
He warned that no political ambition was worth the life of any young person and urged youths not to allow themselves to be used to advance the interests of politicians.
Despite the attack, Nwali said he remained committed to serving his constituents and would not be deterred by intimidation or violence.
“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 added.
The state police command has not issued any official statement on the reported attack as of the time of filing this report.
Politics Nigeria reports that the incident comes amid reports of violence targeting the NDC and its supporters in Nigeria’s South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On October 10, 2026, suspected political thugs attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene, Enugu State, as they gathered to welcome the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.
Amnesty International subsequently condemned the attack, describing it as “ruthless” and expressing concern over what it said was a troubling pattern of violence against opposition members in Nigeria.
