The Enugu State Police Command has initiated an investigation into a reported shooting incident outside the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) secretariat in Enugu. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in a man sustaining a gunshot injury and five parked vehicles being damaged. According to eyewitnesses, unidentified armed hoodlums opened fire in front of the party's secretariat. The victim, who was repairing a vehicle nearby, was rushed to a hospital by police operatives and is currently receiving treatment in stable condition.
The state commissioner of police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a thorough investigation, identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The police responded promptly to the distress call, restoring normalcy to the area. Giwa has urged political parties and their supporters to refrain from violence and conduct their activities in accordance with the law and existing peace accords. The police are working to prevent similar incidents and ensure a level playing field for all political parties in the state.
In a separate incident on the same day, joint police and military operatives dispersed a group of suspected NDC members who had gathered in a disorderly manner at the entrance of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. The incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. following a disagreement over access to the airport, where party members had gathered to receive their governorship candidate. Airport authorities had restricted party members from entering the facility in large numbers, triggering a misunderstanding that escalated into a fight.
The restriction reportedly led to a confrontation between party members and airport security personnel. The situation was brought under control with the intervention of joint security operatives. No casualties were reported in the incident. The police have reiterated their commitment to providing adequate security for all political parties in the state.
Commissioner Giwa reaffirmed the command's dedication to ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process. He urged political parties to notify the police of their planned activities to enable the command to make adequate security arrangements and prevent incidents capable of disrupting public order. The police are working to strengthen ties with political parties and stakeholders to promote a culture of peace and respect for the law.
The investigation into the alleged shooting at the NDC secretariat is ongoing, with police operatives working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The police have assured the public that they will take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents and maintain peace in the state. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state, particularly in the run-up to the elections.
The Enugu State Police Command has called on the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The police are working to enhance security measures and prevent future incidents. Key stakeholders, including political parties and civil society groups, are expected to play a role in promoting peace and stability in the state.
Key points
- The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged shooting incident.
- One person was injured and five vehicles were damaged in the incident.
- The police have urged political parties to notify them of planned activities to ensure adequate security arrangements.
