A young man has been feared d3ad and several others injured following outbreaks of violence during the campaign flag-off of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, in Enugu State on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The incidents occurred in two phases: first at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene, where NDC supporters had gathered to receive their candidate, and later near the party’s secretariat and campaign office in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Enugu.
Social media posts, including a widely shared video alleged that a young man shot by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah had died from his injuries. The posts also claimed that at least seven others were fighting for their lives. The victim was identified by some sources as Nwolle Christopher.
However, accounts of the man’s condition remain conflicting. While some reports and online claims suggested he had d!ed, other sources told Sahara Reporters that he was still alive. The Enugu State Police Command has not confirmed any fatality.
In an official statement issued on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Daniel Ndukwe said unidentified armed hoodlums carried out a shooting at about 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in front of the NDC secretariat. A man who was repairing a vehicle parked along the road sustained a suspected gunshot injury. Five parked vehicles had their windscreens damaged.
Police operatives responded to a distress call, restored order, and rushed the injured man to a hospital, where he is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to identify and apprehend those responsible.
In a separate incident earlier that day at around 11:30 a.m., joint police and military operatives dispersed a group of suspected NDC members who had gathered in a disorderly manner at the entrance to the airport. Airport authorities restricted large numbers of supporters from entering to receive their candidate, leading to a misunderstanding that escalated into a fight.
The NDC accused suspected political thugs of attacking its supporters, alleging that the assailants operated under the protection of policemen attached to the state government. The party reported that several people were shot, including three members of the Kwankwasiya group identified as Umar Abdulkarim, Muhammad Musa and Hassan Gora. One supporter was said to have been left lying in a pool of blood before being rushed to hospital.
No official confirmation has been issued identifying the shooter as the governor’s CSO, and the police description refers only to “unidentified armed hoodlums.”
The violence comes amid rising political tension in Enugu ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDC has previously reported attacks on its gatherings, including a September 12 ward meeting in Obuofia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, in which eight members sustained gunshot injuries.
Police have urged political parties and their members to shun violence and conduct activities in accordance with the law. Investigations into the latest incidents are ongoing.
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