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• Commissioner, brother on warpath
• How suspected thugs died
From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Tension has escalated in Ezza South and North Local Government areas of Ebonyi State following fresh violence which has claimed lives of some of the residents with property including vehicle, canopies, chairs and other valuables destroyed in attacks by suspected political thugs.
The first attack occurred in Amaezekwe on Thursday 22nd October, 2026 when the suspected political thugs attacked the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ezza South State Constituency,
Two suspected political thugs were killed in an attack on the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South state constituency, Ebonyi State, Rollins Offia Nwali while returning from Amazekewe community where he went for consultation ahead of the forthcoming general election.
The attackers, who were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, reportedly opened fire on the candidate’s convoy.
The security operatives attached to Nwali reportedly engaged the assailants in a gun battle after ensuring the safety of the candidate and his team. One of the attackers was killed at the scene. Another one died later in hospital a day after the incident.
Five of the attackers are said to be receiving treatments in an undisclosed hospital in the state. Their conditions are said to be very critical with one of them reportedly amputated following the incident.
Nwali confirmed the attack in a statement saying his Toyota Hilux was burnt during the incident.
The NDC candidate expressed sympathy to the families of those reportedly killed in the incident, describing the loss of human life as regrettable.
He also appealed to youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used by politicians pursuing personal ambitions.
Following the incident, Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Chinedu Mkpuma has banned political gatherings in the local government without his authorization.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, 23rd October, 2026, Mkpuma said all political gatherings within the local government must henceforth obtain prior approval from his office.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress in the state has condemned the attack on the House of Assembly candidate.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Okereke Nnanna, the party expressed concern over the incident, describing it as a serious threat to the safety of political actors, the peace of the communities, and democratic values.
It commended security agencies for their professionalism, courage, and swift intervention in ensuring the safety of the candidate and his entourage.
The party called for thorough investigation into the incident.
It vowed that no amount of intimidation, harassment and attack will prevent the party from contesting and winning the general elections.
The party emphasised its pursuit of political office, which must be guided by peace, respect for human life, and obedience to the rule of law.
NDC called political parties, candidates, supporters, and relevant stakeholders to discourage inflammatory rhetoric, reject violence in all forms, and promote an atmosphere conducive to peaceful political participation.
“At the same time, we emphasise that our pursuit of political office must remain guided by peace, respect for human life, and obedience to the law. We call on all political parties, candidates, supporters, and relevant stakeholders to discourage inflammatory rhetoric, reject violence in all its forms, and promote an atmosphere conducive to peaceful political participation.
“We further call on the relevant security agencies to strengthen measures to protect political candidates and citizens, investigate this incident thoroughly, and prevent any further escalation or reprisal attacks.
The incident has been causing bickering between the state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Chief Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali and his younger brother, Chief Rollins Offia-Nwali, the victim. The two brothers have been exchanging banters over the violence.
While Oguzorkanu accused his brother of dragging his name in the mud over the incident because he differs politically with him, Rollins alleged that the commissioner has a hand in an alleged attempt to eliminate him that Thursday.
Oguzorkanu, who condemned the killing of some of the attackers of Rollins’ convoy, wondered why those he said were with “machetes or sticks”, could be killed by security personnel during the attack.
“I am deeply troubled by what I consider a careless approach to handling a politically sensitive situation. I do not believe that security personnel should respond to sticks or machetes with bullets without carefully assessing the threat and applying the appropriate level of force.
“If there was a threat or provocation serious enough to justify opening fire on that young man, then the circumstances surrounding the incident deserve a thorough, impartial investigation.
“The public deserves to understand what happened, why live ammunition was used, and whether the response was necessary and proportionate, else the security agencies should be prepared to wipe every descending voices in Ebonyi State.
“It is difficult to comprehend a situation in which one side is left mourning a dead supporter and this is precisely why security agencies must act professionally, impartially, and with restraint. Every life matters, regardless of political affiliation, ambition, or disagreement.
“Politics is temporary, but life is sacred. No political ambition is worth the life of another human being. My younger brother stated in his social media handle immediately after the incident “My motorcade was attacked today by armed hoodlums who opened fire on our vehicles while we were returning from Amazekewe”
“You stated clearly in your own statement that you were already returning from Amazekewe when the incident occurred. That raises a legitimate question: if you were returning from Amazekewe, how does that reconcile with the narrative being pushed around the incident was to stop you from meeting in the same Amaezekwe?
“I honestly do not understand why some people are desperately trying to involve me in all political matters in Ebonyi State as though I must take sides in every disagreement happening around.
“Let me state this categorically: I am not contesting for the House of Assembly, and I will never contest for that position. I have no such ambition now, and I do not intend to pursue it in the future. I therefore find it difficult to understand why my name continues to feature in a matter that has nothing to do with my personal ambition or my support for my principal.
“My political focus for 2027 is clear. I have chosen the battles that matter to me, and I am committed to my political convictions. I do not need to contest for an elective position to demonstrate my commitment to my party or my principal”, he said.
He explained that Rollins, knows his position on his aspiration and that he had spoken to him privately and advised him that, in his honest opinion, his ambition raises legitimate questions about the existing political arrangement and the history of representation in Ezza South State Constituency in the state House of Assembly.
“Unfortunately, he has chosen not to heed my advice. While I respect his right to make his own political decisions, I also reserve the right to express my honest views about the implications of those decisions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, from 2003 to 2019, Ameka Community where I and Rollins hail from has occupied the position of Member representing Ezza South State Constituency for 16 consecutive years.
“Hon. Emmanuel Aleke, from Ameka, served for four years, while Hon. Chris Usulor, also from Ameka, served for 12 years across four of four-year tenures. Together, their representation accounted for 16 years, spanning four tenures.
“Ameka is one of the communities under Kpakpaji Zone. After those 16 years, the position moved to Izzikworo, where Hon. Friday Ogbuewu has served for just one tenure.
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“Against this historical background, I cannot, in good conscience, support an arrangement that would return the position to Ameka for a fifth tenure, potentially extending the community’s representation to 20 years”, the commissioner said.
Oguzorkanu opined that in one of his private conversations with Rollins, he raised a question he believed he needed to consider carefully.
“I told him that even if our dear governor, His Excellency, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, decided or directed that he should be supported for the House of Assembly, the same people claiming to be supporting him will still ask: “Is it only the Offia Nwali family that they have left all the political positions in Ameka for?”
“My concern was that the very people encouraging him today might later distance themselves from the consequences of the controversy, leaving him and our family to bear the political cost.
“I believe he needed to reflect on whether the support he was receiving had adequately considered the history of representation in Ezza South and how his ambition might be perceived by other communities.
“Not everyone who encourages a man to move forward has necessarily considered the consequences he may face along the way. That is why a wise person must look beyond the applause and examine the road ahead.
“A brother who warns you about a dangerous road may be more interested in your destination than the crowd enthusiastically urging you to keep driving..
“My advice was not an attempt to destroy his ambition. It was an expression of my honest concern about the political implications of his decision. I would rather speak the truth privately, even when it is uncomfortable, than remain silent simply because we share the same blood”, he said.
He accused Rollins of holding a political meeting in their father’s compound before the incident to test his reaction when he has never done so.
“Our father’s compound is not a place where I have ever convened political meetings, particularly because members of our family hold different political convictions. It was even more difficult to watch such a meeting take place in a compound where I remain the eldest.
“Given our family relationship, my position in the family, and the significance of my late father’s compound, the situation was emotionally challenging to me.
“Nevertheless, I chose to overlook it. I could have reacted. I could have confronted the situation or allowed my displeasure to become a public issue. But I decided that I would not allow myself to be drawn into a confrontation that could turn a family disagreement into unnecessary political drama.
“I suspected that the meeting might, among other things, have been intended to test my reaction. Rather than speculate publicly about anyone’s motives or provide an opportunity for further controversy, I chose to stay away and move on with my life”, he submitted.
Reacting to Oguzorkanu’s claims, Rollins accused the commissioner of attempt to assassinate him on that Thursday. He expressed profound gratitude to the security operatives who contained the attack and successfully evacuated him.
He expressed surprise that the commissioner has not reached out to him to know if he was alive or dead but took to his social media handle to write long essay on the incident.
“I truly wonder what instructions those assailants were given that emboldened them to confront a heavily secured motorcade, shooting and reloading their guns without any fear of the security operatives.
“However, I will refrain from disclosing further details of an incident that is now a matter for the security agencies. Any attempt by anyone to attack the integrity of the institution and the operatives who responded to that attack is very uncharitable.
“In 2022, when I decided to contest the APC primaries, the Commissioner was the first person I consulted before making my ambition public. Of course, in his usual deceptive manner, he quickly assured me of his support and immediately proceeded to work against me. He called everyone he could reach to ensure that I was not allowed to contest or secure the ticket.
“He even supported my opponent. Every piece of confidential information I shared with him concerning my consultations strategy found its way to my opponent. Little did he know that I had already understood his pattern.
“I only told him what I wanted others to hear because I knew he was the appropriate loudspeaker to deliver the message. He never reached out to me again until the primaries were over. I did not go to court to challenge the primaries, even though everything that happened during the exercise was recorded on video.
“In 2026, I consulted him again and informed him of my intention to re-contest the APC primaries. He told me it was a good idea, informed me that the sitting member was unpopular, and promised to consult with stakeholders and get back to me.
“Instead, he proceeded to speak with every APC stakeholder he could reach, persuading them not to support me. Even after I paid for the APC nomination form and could not obtain it, he never got back to me regarding the consultations he had promised to undertake. I am still waiting for his feedback till today.
“I peacefully left the APC, joined the NDC, contested its primaries and secured the ticket. He did not reach out to me.
“Now, the commissioner claims that certain individuals are using me to fight him. I have one simple question for him: When I contested the APC primaries in 2022, while he was still a civil servant in Abuja and a member of the PDP, who was using me to fight him then?
“It is truly disappointing. The commissioner claims that for two or three days, he repeatedly picked up his phone to write about the incident but struggled to find the appropriate words. I cannot help wondering whether the news he heard was different from what he expected to hear.
“For someone who claims to be my brother to care more about politics, political parties and the assailants who attacked my motorcade than about my life has left me utterly surprised.
“He repeatedly reminds everyone that he is my elder brother. What kind of loving elder brother does not call his younger brother after he has been involved in an assassination attempt? For three days, he struggled to write a statement, but he could not make one telephone call to ascertain whether I was injured or safe. He did not even call me to ask what really happened.
“Instead, without even speaking to me, he had already concluded that I was the one who went there and directed the security operatives to shoot, even though he knows that I have never asked any of my supporters or anyone accompanying me to be violent or attack anybody.
“If anyone had told me that someone who happens to be my brother would be the first to publicly twist the story of an incident that was planned to take my life and somehow try to make me the villain for political reasons, I would have doubted it.
“If someone had told me that my brother would place the lives of the thugs who attempted to kill me above my own life, I would have doubted it too. But here we are. This is the politics of the day, and I accept it”, Rollins stated.
He wondered why he should seek the permission of Oguzorkanu to hold a meeting with his friends and supporters in a compound he has been staying.
“Why should I seek permission from a man who has sworn to resign his appointment if I win any polling unit, or from someone who spends a big percentage of his time either threatening or sending people to attack and warn my supporters all over Ezza South?
“When he took my opponent to our family land, where he now lives, castigated me in the presence of Ameka people and told them to vote for my opponent, did he ask for my permission? Why does he believes that he is entitled to exercise his political rights while I must seek his approval before exercising mine,” he queried.
He accused the Commissioner of making his ambition to be a fight between Kpakpaji and Izzikworo in the local government, stressing that the election should be about who is best prepared to represent Ezza South constituency in the state House of Assembly in 2027.
“If his interest is equity, why did he vehemently oppose the chairmanship position going to Ameka unless he was allowed to resign his position as commissioner and take it? Why did he vehemently oppose the position of Vice-Chancellor going to an Ameka person? How does he reconcile those positions with the equity and fairness he now claims to defend?
“The commissioner claims to have massive political support and a strong following in Ameka. If he genuinely has that support, why should there be any need to force, threaten or intimidate anyone into supporting his preferred candidate?
“The people of Ezza South are not the political property of any individual, regardless of the appointment he holds or the influence he believes he commands. No commissioner has the authority to determine who may contest an election, whom the people must support or whose political dreams must be abandoned,” he said.
The Thursday 22nd October incident in Ezza South local government is the third of such political violence.
The first incident occurred on 1st August, 2026 in Ikwuator Idembia in the local government when suspected political thugs attacked the residence of a PDP chieftain in the community, Ifeanyi Nworie during an event in the compound and inflicted machete and gun injuries on about a dozen persons who attended the event.
The thugs destroyed vehicles, tricycles, plastic chairs and other valuables during the attack.
Ten members of the correspondents’ chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who were invited by Nworie to cover the event, were also attacked by the suspected political thugs.
Two weeks later, suspected political thugs attacked the residence of an elder statesman in Amaezekwe, in the local government, Chief Christopher Ngwuta and also destroyed vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles and other valuables.
The attackers stormed the residence of Ngwuta when he was receiving PDP leaders who paid him a courtesy visit and attacked the compound.
The political violence is gradually shifting to other Ezza-controlled local governments.
On Friday 23rd October, suspected political thugs attacked members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) in Okposi Umuoghara ward
The incident occurred barely 48 hours after suspected political thugs attacked Rollins Offia Nwali, which led to the death of two persons.
The suspected political thugs attacked the APGA members in the Okposi Umuoghara Ward where the party’s candidate for Ezza North/Ishielu federal constituency, Prince Emeka Irem, was expected to pay a courtesy visit to the ward chairman of the party.
The thugs destroyed chairs, canopies and chased away all the APGA supporters who were at the venue for the courtesy visit.
