Gunmen kill one, wound three in attack on NDC candidate’s convoy in Ebonyi

On the afternoon of 22 October 2026, armed men attacked the convoy of Rollins Offia‑Nwali, a House of Assembly candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as he returned to Amaezekwe Community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The assault, which began around 4:00 p.m., involved gunfire that set the candidate’s Toyota Hilux ablaze. Police officers arrived shortly after a distress call and found four people with gunshot wounds and a vehicle that had been severely damaged.

One person was killed and three others were taken to hospitals for treatment. The candidate himself survived the attack and later thanked security personnel for protecting him and those in his convoy. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and warned young people against becoming tools of political violence.

Background

The incident is part of a series of attacks on NDC supporters in the lead‑up to the upcoming elections. Earlier this year, suspected political thugs targeted NDC supporters at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. In September, the party’s chairman in Benue state, Igbu Terhemen, was tied up and left unconscious near his home after a similar assault. These events have heightened concerns about the safety of opposition figures in Nigeria’s volatile political climate.

Rollins Offia‑Nwali is contesting the Ezza South Constituency seat against the incumbent, Friday Ogbuewu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite the attack, Offia‑Nwali has stated that he will not withdraw from the race and will continue to campaign for the seat.

Why it matters

The attack underscores the growing risk of political violence in Nigeria, particularly in regions where electoral competition is intense. The death and injuries sustained in the convoy assault could influence voter sentiment and the security strategies of political parties. Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed that the incident was investigated promptly, but no further details about the perpetrators or the motive have been released.

The NDC has called for a thorough investigation and has urged the national security apparatus to protect its members and supporters. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures for political candidates during the election period.

What happens next

According to statements released by the Ebonyi State Police, an investigation is underway to identify the attackers. Offia‑Nwali has pledged to continue his campaign and has urged the electorate to remain calm. No official timeline for the completion of the investigation has been announced, and the candidate has not indicated any changes to his campaign schedule.

The incident has drawn attention from national media outlets and political observers, who are monitoring the situation closely as the election cycle progresses.