Two suspected political thugs have been killed following an attack on the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr Rollins Offia Nwali.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when Nwali’s convoy was returning from Amazekewe community in Ebonyi State.
Security sources said the attackers, who were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, opened fire on the candidate’s convoy.
The security operatives attached to Nwali reportedly engaged the assailants in a gun battle after ensuring the safety of the candidate and his team.
One of the suspected attackers was reportedly killed at the scene, while another was said to have died later in hospital.
A source identified the man killed at the scene as Jude Nwamgbada.
However, the identities of the deceased and their alleged political affiliations could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Nwali confirmed the attack in a statement on Thursday saying his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze during the incident.
He said: ‘My motorcade was attacked today by armed hoodlums who opened fire on our vehicles while we were returning from Amazekewe. My Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely burnt in the attack.
‘Thankfully, we are all safe, and I sincerely appreciate the professionalism and gallantry of the security agencies who ensure our safety.’
The NDC candidate expressed sympathy to the families of those reportedly killed in the incident, describing the loss of human life as regrettable.
He also appealed to youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used by politicians pursuing personal ambitions.
‘No political ambition is worth the life of any young person, and no young person should have to lose their life in pursuit of another person’s political ambition,’ he said.
Nwali added that the attack would not deter him from his determination to serve the people of his constituency.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Ebonyi State Police Command were unsuccessful.
The command’s spokesman, Joshua Ukandu, did not answer calls to his telephone or respond to a message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.