The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation following separate disruptions of political gatherings involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The incidents occurred on Saturday, September 12, at Ndiuno-Obuoffia community and St Joseph Primary School in Agbani, according to the Enugu State Police Command.
Police said armed hoodlums allegedly stormed an NDC ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia and opened sporadic gunfire, leaving two attendees injured. In a separate incident at Agbani, hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs that had been arranged for a PDP rally.
Following the reports, police operatives were deployed to both locations to prevent further violence and track down suspects who had reportedly fled the scenes.
The Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate both incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
The police have not identified the attackers or established their political affiliation. Allegations have emerged linking suspected political thugs to the incidents, but the command has not confirmed those claims.
The police also said organisers of the two political gatherings had not notified the command or requested security coverage before the events. The Commissioner urged political parties and other stakeholders to notify the police ahead of campaigns, meetings and rallies so that appropriate security arrangements can be made.
Giwa warned political parties, candidates and supporters against violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other activities capable of disrupting public order or the electoral process.
He also stressed that political activities must be conducted peacefully and within the law as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify across the state.
The latest incidents have raised concerns about the security of political gatherings in Enugu. The police said the command would continue to protect lawful political activities while taking action against anyone found to have violated the law.