Ch∆os As Thugs Att∆ck NDC Supporters At Enugu Airport Despite Police Presence
Chaos As Thugs Attack NDC Supporters At Enugu Airport Despite Police Presence
The incident raises fresh concerns about the safety of opposition party members and the freedom of political groups to organise and participate in democratic activities without intimidation.
Chaos erupted at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State on Saturday after thugs attacked members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) who had gathered to welcome the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.
In a video on social media, the supporters were heard alleging that they were being shot at and tear-gassed as they fled the scene, with some accusing security operatives of watching the incident unfold.
“They are shooting teargas at us. This is under the watch of the police and army. We are running for our lives. We are at the Enugu International Airport here,” one of the NDC supporters said in the footage.
The supporters were also heard chanting, “The All Progressives Congress, APC, must go. Tinubu must go,” as they ran for safety.
Another person questioned the state of democracy in the country, asking, “Are we still practising democracy here in Enugu and Nigeria? Security operatives should hand gūns over to us since…”
The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the identities of those responsible and whether anyone sustained injuries, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The incident raises fresh concerns about the safety of opposition party members and the freedom of political groups to organise and participate in democratic activities without intimidation.
Unfortunately, SaharaReporters could not get the comments of the Enugu State Police Command as the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Daniel Ndukwe, did not answer calls at the time of filing this report.
Also, the Enugu State Police Command, the Nigerian Army and airport authorities have yet to provide an official account of the incident at the time of filming this report.
The airport incident comes barely one month after the NDC alleged that “state-sponsored thugs” attacked its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The party had accused unnamed political actors of using violence and intimidation to disrupt its activities, raising concerns about the safety of its members as political activities intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the NDC, the September incident occurred on September 12, 2026, when armed men allegedly stormed a party gathering in the community.
The party said eight of its members sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that armed hoodlums disrupted the gathering and said an investigation had been ordered.
The NDC’s governorship candidate, Ohaa, condemned the reported violence and maintained that the party would continue participating in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State had previously denied allegations linking its leadership and Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to political violence, describing the accusations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
The latest incident at Akanu Ibiam International Airport has intensified calls for security agencies to investigate allegations of political intimidation and ensure that supporters of all political parties can exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
