Enugu State Government said it has uncovered alleged plans by some opposition elements to import armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic and a false sense of insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made these known on Sunday while addressing a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, on the incidents involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday.
Onyia denied any involvement of the government or the Governor’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, in both incidents, describing the airport confrontation as a matter between the NDC and federal authorities, while noting that the shooting incident at the party’s secretariat was under police investigation.
According to the SSG, the government’s preliminary findings indicated that the airport incident followed the NDC’s attempt to hold what it described as a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the facility without securing the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He said the party had published notices inviting its members and supporters to the event, including on the Facebook page of its governorship candidate in the state.
Onyia explained that the police had advised the party to obtain FAAN’s approval before security personnel could be deployed to the airport 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,” he said.
The SSG alleged that the party proceeded to mobilise its members to the airport and attempted to gain entry into the facility, resulting in a confrontation with airport authorities.
He said security agencies intervened to disperse the “riotous” party members and restore order around the airport, which he described as a strategic national asset.
Onyia added that the state government’s account was consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
NDC Secretariat Shooting
On the shooting incident at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, the SSG said security reports had established that a violent clash occurred at the party’s office and that the police were investigating the matter.
The SSG disputed reports alleging fatalities, stating that the government’s findings indicated that no death had occurred in the incident.
He disclosed that a 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he was stabilised 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.
Onyia also faulted allegations that the Governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the party secretariat and supervised the shooting, maintaining that the official was with Governor Peter Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, at the time of the incident.
The SSG further criticised the reported holding of a minute’s silence for an individual he said was still alive, describing it as an attempt to mislead the public for political advantage.
Reaffirming the state government’s position, Onyia said Governor Mbah had sworn to protect the lives and property of all residents, irrespective of their religious beliefs or political affiliations, and condemned.