Journalists attached to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi State Council, and members of the Peoples Democratic Party were reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs during a defection ceremony held in Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The journalists were in the area to cover the defection of former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ifeanyi Nworie, to the PDP.
According to reports, the attackers allegedly disrupted the event, assaulted several PDP supporters and attacked the official branded vehicle conveying members of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel.
The defection ceremony, initially scheduled to hold at a village square, was reportedly relocated after the original venue was allegedly invaded and equipment prepared for the event vandalised.
It was gathered that the journalists’ vehicle came under attack as it approached the new venue, with the assailants allegedly attempting to force open the vehicle and threatening to set it ablaze. The driver reportedly escaped the scene before the situation escalated.
Reports also indicate that at least 20 PDP supporters were attacked during the incident, with eight persons said to have sustained injuries and currently receiving medical treatment.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, Ifeanyi Nworie alleged that he had earlier notified the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies before the event but claimed that suspected thugs still disrupted the programme and later vandalised property at his residence after the venue was changed.
He appealed to security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that citizens are free to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation.
The Ebonyi State chapter of the PDP also condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on democracy and calling on security agencies to remain impartial as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, the PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Chidiebere Egwu, urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
When contacted, legal practitioner Friday Agbom, who was alleged to have led the group, denied wrongdoing and criticised the presence of journalists at the political event.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released an official statement on the incident.
