Amnesty condemns alleged Enugu NDC attacks as police probe secretariat shooting

Amnesty International has condemned an alleged attack on Nigeria Democratic Congress supporters who gathered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to welcome the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

The gathering on Saturday, October 10, was ahead of the party’s governorship campaign flag-off. Reports also described violence at its secretariat later that day, where police say they are investigating an alleged shooting.

Daily Post reported Amnesty’s statement and supporters’ allegations that they were shot at and tear-gassed while fleeing. The organisation warned that attacks and intimidation could restrict opposition groups’ freedom to associate and hold public gatherings.

Premium Times reported that videos showed supporters running amid gunfire, damaged vehicles and a man being struck with a plank near the airport. It also reported allegations of security personnel’s complicity, which it said it could not independently verify.

The police gave a different account of the airport confrontation. In a Sunday statement reported by Vanguard, command spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe said airport authorities had restricted large numbers of party members from entering, after which a misunderstanding escalated into a fight. Police said joint police and military operatives intervened to restore order.

At the secretariat, Premium Times reported further shooting and supporters leaving the venue. The police described an alleged shooting in front of the building at about 2:30 p.m., saying unidentified armed men injured a man repairing a roadside vehicle and damaged five parked vehicles.

According to the police account reported by Vanguard, officers took the injured man to hospital and he was in stable condition. Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The October incidents follow earlier disruptions of opposition meetings in Nkanu West, reported here.

The police commissioner urged parties to notify the command of planned activities so security arrangements could be made.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post, Vanguard