The Enugu State police command has initiated an investigation following violent attacks on political gatherings that left several individuals injured. The incidents, which occurred in Nkanu West Local Government Area, involved unidentified assailants disrupting events organized by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During a statewide monthly ward meeting of the NDC in Obuofia on Saturday, armed hoodlums invaded the gathering, reportedly firing shots and injuring two party members. The police confirmed that they received reports of the attack and deployed operatives to the scene to prevent further violence and apprehend the suspects. The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

In a statement released by the NDC, eight party members were identified as having sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The injured individuals include Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara, and Obinna Daniel Owo. The gathering was significant as it took place in the hometown of the NDC's governorship candidate for the upcoming 2027 elections, Christian Ohaa.

The NDC condemned the attack as a deliberate act of political intimidation aimed at suppressing opposition voices in Enugu State. Sampson Ukwu, the media aide to Ohaa, expressed outrage at the violence, stating that no group has the right to turn political gatherings into scenes of chaos. He emphasized the need for law enforcement to swiftly identify and prosecute the attackers.

In a separate incident, a PDP rally at St Joseph Primary School in Agbani was also targeted, where hoodlums destroyed canopies and chairs set up for the event. The police noted that there had been no prior requests for security at either gathering, raising concerns about the safety of political activities in the region.

The rising political violence in Enugu has sparked alarm among political leaders. PDP chieftain Basil Ani warned that the ongoing tensions could adversely affect President Bola Tinubu's popularity as the 2027 elections approach. Ani highlighted that the violence appears to be directed not only at political opponents but also at the Federal Government, with citizens increasingly frustrated by the lack of decisive action against the perpetrators.

He called on security agencies to investigate all incidents of violence, regardless of political affiliation, to ensure a safe environment for political engagement. Ani stressed the importance of addressing these issues to maintain democratic stability in the state, urging traditional rulers and community leaders to remain vigilant and advocate for their constituents' rights.

As the political landscape in Enugu continues to evolve, the NDC has vowed to maintain its campaign efforts despite the intimidation. Ohaa reiterated that the party would not be deterred by violence and would continue to advocate for the rights of the people ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections.