One person has been killed and three others injured following an alleged gunmen attack on the convoy of Rollins Ovu-Unata Offia-Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South State Constituency in Ebonyi State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday in Amaezekwe community, Ezza South Local Government Area.
The Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident, stating that the command received a distress call reporting a disturbance in the community and immediately deployed operatives to the scene.
According to Ukandu, officers who arrived at the location found four people with gunshot wounds and a burnt vehicle.
He disclosed that one of the victims was later confirmed dead at a hospital, while the three injured persons were receiving medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Offia-Nwali alleged that suspected political thugs attacked his motorcade and set his Toyota Hilux vehicle ablaze during the incident.
The NDC candidate said he and members of his entourage escaped unhurt.
Reacting to the attack, Offia-Nwali expressed sympathy for those affected and appealed to young people across Ebonyi State not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to pursue personal ambitions.
“No political ambition is worth the life of any young person,” he said.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of political actors and residents amid preparations for electoral activities in the state.
The police have confirmed the incident, but further details regarding the identities of the victims, the motive for the attack and any arrests were not provided in the account available.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
