Two suspected political thugs have reportedly been killed following an attack on the convoy of Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South in Ebonyi State.
The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026, as Nwali’s convoy was returning from Amazekewe community in Ezza South Local Government Area.
Security sources said the assailants, who were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, opened fire on the candidate’s convoy.
Security operatives attached to Nwali reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle after ensuring the safety of the candidate and members of his team.
One of the suspected attackers was reportedly killed at the scene, while another was said to have died later in hospital.
However, the identities of the deceased and their alleged political affiliations could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
NDC Candidate Confirms Attack on Convoy
Nwali confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, disclosing that his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze during the attack.
He said the convoy came under fire while returning from Amazekewe community but confirmed that he and members of his team escaped unharmed.
“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.
“Thankfully, we are all safe, and I sincerely appreciate the professionalism and gallantry of the security agencies who ensured our safety,” Nwali said.
The NDC candidate expressed sympathy to the families of those reportedly killed in the incident, describing the loss of human life as regrettable.
He also appealed to youths in Ebonyi State not to allow themselves to be used by politicians pursuing personal ambitions.
“No political ambition is worth the life of any young person, and no young person should have to lose their life in pursuit of another person’s political ambition,” he said.
Nwali added that the attack would not deter him from his determination to serve the people of his constituency.
Ezza South Chairman Bans Political Gatherings
Following the attack, the Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Chinedu Mkpuma, announced restrictions on political gatherings within the council.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, Mkpuma directed that all political gatherings in the local government must obtain prior authorisation from his office.
The chairman acknowledged citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly but said the directive was necessary in response to prevailing security concerns.
He explained that the measure was intended to safeguard lives and property, maintain public order and prevent further security breaches.
The directive comes amid concerns about the security implications of political activities in the area following the attack on Nwali’s convoy.
Police Confirm Incident, Four People Found With Gunshot Wounds
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu.
Ukandu said the command received a distress call concerning disturbances in the community on October 22, 2026.
“On 22nd October 2026, around 4pm, the command received a distress call about disturbances within Amaezekwe community.
“Operatives were dispatched to the scene, where four individuals with gunshot wounds and a burnt vehicle were seen. One individual was confirmed dead at the hospital, while three are receiving treatment,” he stated.
The police account confirmed that officers found four people with gunshot wounds and a burnt vehicle at the scene. However, the available statement did not establish the identities or political affiliations of those involved.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of the deceased remain subject to further verification.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about political security in Ezza South, particularly as local authorities move to restrict political gatherings in an effort to prevent further violence.