Enugu Govt Denies D£aths in NDC Secretariat Clash, Explains Airport Inc!dent
Enugu Govt Denies Deaths in NDC Secretariat Clash, Explains Airport Incident
The Enugu State Government has denied reports of deaths during a clash at the state secretariat of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), saying one person sustained a gunshot wound in the incident.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this at a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while addressing the incidents involving the party at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and its state secretariat.
Onyia said the government’s findings showed that Ifeanyi Nworie, 43, sustained a gunshot wound during the clash at the party’s secretariat and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further examination.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” he said.
The government added that the police were investigating the clash at the party’s state secretariat, which occurred on Saturday, October 10.
On the airport incident, Onyia said it was a matter between the NDC and federal authorities but explained that the state government had made inquiries to establish what happened.
According to him, the NDC had invited its supporters and members of the public to what it described as its “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the airport.
He said the police had advised the party to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) before deploying personnel to the facility for the event.
“Further findings, however, revealed that the NDC did not secure the approval of FAAN to host a grand statewide rally at its facility. Security agencies, therefore, advised the organisers of the rally to rethink it,” Onyia said.
He alleged that the party proceeded to mobilise its members to the airport despite the advice, adding that their attempt to gain entry into the facility by force resulted in a confrontation with airport authorities.
The SSG said security agencies intervened and dispersed the party members to restore order around the airport, describing it as a strategic national asset.
He added that the government’s account was consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
The state government also condemned political violence and said it remained committed to protecting residents regardless of their political affiliations.
“The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, swore to an oath to protect lives and property of the good people and residents of Enugu State, regardless of creed and political affiliation,” Onyia said.
He linked the administration’s security efforts to its ambition of building Enugu into a $30 billion economy and making the state a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living.
“Consequently, the Enugu State Government strongly condemns in its entirety, any form of violence, including politically induced violence in the state. We welcome healthy debate and freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” he said.
The government urged political parties to uphold responsibility and decorum, and to focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
