Tension gripped parts of Anambra State on Sunday following an attack on a House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), during which two of his security aides sustained gunshot injuries.
The incident reportedly occurred in Idemili North Local Government Area while the aspirant was holding a political engagement with stakeholders as part of his consultations ahead of the next general elections.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the meeting was underway when armed men invaded the venue, triggering panic and forcing attendees to scamper for safety. In the ensuing chaos, gunshots were fired, leaving two security operatives attached to the aspirant wounded.
The injured aides were quickly evacuated to a nearby medical facility where they are currently receiving treatment. Their condition has not been officially disclosed at the time of filing this report.
The aspirant was reportedly unharmed during the incident but condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt to intimidate political actors and disrupt democratic engagement in the area.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement, but sources say investigations have commenced to identify those behind the attack and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anambra State has in recent times witnessed pockets of political violence and security challenges, raising concerns over safety during political activities ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation.