Enugu Attacks: KNN Seeks Justice for Slain NDC Supporter, Demands Independent Probe

The South-East chapter of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) has condemned reported attacks on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, demanding justice for Christopher Nworie, an alleged party supporter reportedly killed during the incidents.

The group called on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the reported killing and the shooting incidents that allegedly left several other people injured.

It also demanded the release of a young man reportedly detained after recording a separate attack on NDC members in Nkanu, urging authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents and other alleged cases of political violence in the state.

According to reports, Nworie, said to be from Affa in Udi Local Government Area, was killed on October 10 when suspected political thugs attacked NDC members at the Akanu Ibiam Stadium in Emene and the party’s office in the Government Reserved Area of Enugu.

The party members had reportedly assembled at the locations to receive their governorship candidate when the attacks occurred.

In a statement issued in Umuahia and made available to Vanguard, KNN Zonal Coordinator Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai called for an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the reported attacks and other allegations of political violence in Enugu State.

The group said it was unacceptable for citizens to face violence while participating in lawful political activities, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.

“We are shocked that unarmed and peace-loving citizens, including members of an opposition party, could come under attack in broad daylight while those responsible are yet to be brought to justice.

“Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to belong to a political party, attend political meetings and support a candidate of their choice without fear of being attacked, injured or killed. No political ambition is worth the life of any Nigerian,” the statement said.

Group Raises Alarm Over Arrest of Nkanu Attack Recorder

KNN expressed further concern over the reported arrest and detention of a young man who allegedly filmed an attack on NDC members during a meeting in Nkanu.

The video of the incident has reportedly gained widespread circulation on social media.

The organisation called for the man’s immediate release if authorities had no lawful grounds to keep him in custody. It also urged the police to provide clarity on his arrest and establish the facts surrounding the alleged attack.

“If a citizen who records an alleged attack becomes a target of arrest while those accused of perpetrating the violence remain at large, it raises serious questions about the protection of witnesses and the handling of evidence in politically sensitive cases,” KNN stated.

The group warned that targeting people who record incidents of political violence could discourage witnesses from providing information to investigators and potentially deprive law enforcement agencies of important evidence.

It added that such actions could undermine public confidence in the investigation and prosecution of politically sensitive cases.

KNN called on the Enugu State Government to ensure the safety of opposition supporters and take measures to prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence.

The group alleged that Enugu had maintained a peaceful atmosphere before the APC assumed control of the state, warning against any development that could threaten that reputation.

“Enugu has been a peaceful state and must remain so. The takeover of the state by the APC should not mean the birth of political violence.

“The ultimate responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property, irrespective of the political party to which a citizen belongs,” the group said.

It cautioned that failure to address political thuggery could undermine freedom of association, discourage citizens from participating in political activities and erode confidence in the democratic process.

Calling for urgent and impartial action, KNN insisted that the state government must demonstrate its commitment to protecting every resident, regardless of political affiliation.

“Democracy cannot thrive outside opposition. The government must demonstrate that Enugu belongs to all its citizens, not just members or supporters of the ruling party,” the statement added.

The organisation urged the government to implement practical measures to protect opposition members and prevent a recurrence of the reported attacks.

KNN Insists Violence Will Not Derail Obi-Kwankwaso Presidential Project

KNN also declared that the reported attacks would not weaken the presidential project involving Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, under the NDC platform.

The group described the alliance as an “irrepressible national movement fuelled by genuine desire for change”, arguing that political intimidation would not extinguish Nigerians’ desire to influence the country’s future.

It maintained that supporters of the ticket remained committed to what it called a national effort to rescue the country from political hijackers.

According to KNN, every Nigerian must retain the freedom to support political candidates and participate in democratic activities without fear of violence.

The group called on the Enugu State Government, the police and other security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the reported attacks, ensure that anyone found responsible faced prosecution and prevent further incidents.

It also appealed to opposition supporters and other Nigerians not to be intimidated into abandoning their civic responsibilities or constitutional rights.

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