Enugu State Government has alleged that opposition parties are plotting to import armed thugs and bandits into the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, dismissing reports of death during Saturday’s clashes involving the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) as false, saying that one person sustained a gunshot injury and he is receiving treatment in a hospital.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this on Sunday at a press conference held at the Government House, Enugu.
Addressing the October 11,2026(Saturday’s) clash between the NDC and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and a separate clash at the NDC state secretariat , GRA ,Enugu, Prof Onyia said the government’s findings indicated that the NDC had advertised a grand statewide campaign flag-off at the airport but proceeded with the mobilisation despite being advised by the police to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
According to him, the party’s failure to secure the necessary authorisation led to a confrontation between its supporters and airport authorities when they allegedly attempted to force their way into the facility.
The Secretary to the State Government, said security agencies intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order around the airport, a critical national asset.
SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia.addter FC in
He said the airport incident was primarily a matter involving the NDC and federal authorities but said the state government had taken steps to establish the facts because of its commitment to maintaining peace and security across Enugu State.
On the separate incident at the NDC secretariat, Onyia said security reports confirmed that a violent clash occurred and that the police had commenced an investigation.
He identified the injured person as 43-year-old Ifeanyi Nworie, who reportedly sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further medical attention.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” Onyia said.
He called for a transparent investigation into the clash and the prosecution of anyone found culpable, stressing that the government condemned all forms of violence, particularly those arising from political activities.
The SSG also dismissed allegations that Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer was present at the NDC secretariat during the shooting, saying the officer was with the governor at the Teachers Grassroots Movement rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, at the time.
Onyia accused opposition parties of attempting to portray Enugu as insecure and the state government as intolerant of political dissent. He further alleged that an opposition party was involved in efforts to create panic ahead of the 2027 elections.
The government, he said, had uncovered what it described as a plot by an opposition party to procure the services of armed thugs and bandits to destabilise the state and undermine public confidence in its security situation.
The SSG cited a previous incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12, 2026, which he said investigations had linked to individuals currently facing prosecution by the police.
He said the government would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace achieved in the state, declaring that protecting lives and property remained a priority of the Mbah administration.
Onyia added that the state’s ambition to develop into a $30 billion economy and attract investment, business and tourism depended substantially on a peaceful and secure environment.
He urged opposition parties and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, democratic competition and responsible conduct as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The SSG reaffirmed that the government recognised citizens’ rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and political participation, including the right to support and vote for candidates of their choice.
He added that the administration believed its performance in office would speak for it politically, saying that there was no justification for resorting to desperate measures to secure re-election.
