Police order probe into disruption of PDP, NDC meetings by gunmen in Enugu

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, has ordered an investigation into the reported gun attack and disruption of meetings of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-eastern state.

The police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

There were reports that hoodlums attacked and disrupted meetings of the NDC and later the PDP, which were held in separate locations on Saturday, 12 September.

Police said the first incident occurred at Ndiuno-Obuoffia Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly disrupted an NDC ward meeting with sporadic shootings that left two persons injured.

The second attack, according to them, occurred at St. Joseph Primary School in Agbani within the same council area where hoodlums also reportedly destroyed canopies and chairs arranged for a PDP rally.

PDP and the NDC are the two leading opposition political parties in Enugu State, which is under the control of the All Progressive Congress.

Investigation

Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said in the statement that although there was no prior notice for security cover, operatives were “promptly” deployed to both scenes upon receipt of the reports to prevent further breaches and track down the attackers.

The spokesperson said Mr Giwa has now directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to “thoroughly” investigate the two separate incidents and track down the attackers.

The commissioner, according to the statement, reiterated that he had informed leaders of political parties during a recent meeting that all political activities in Enugu State must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.

He stressed that electoral offences remain punishable under the law and warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation, destruction of property or any conduct capable of disrupting public peace and the electoral process.

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The police chief then urged political parties and leaders to promptly notify the police of their campaigns, meetings, rallies and other gatherings to facilitate appropriate security arrangements.

He assured the public that the police command would continue to maintain a peaceful and secure environment for lawful political activities and deal decisively with anyone who violates the law.