PDP accuses suspected APC-linked political thugs of ambushing DSS operatives in Ezza South, setting a security vehicle ablaze and raising concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

One person has reportedly been killed, while two others sustained critical injuries following a gun battle between operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and suspected political thugs in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The incident allegedly occurred when armed men suspected of being linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ambushed DSS operatives escorting Hon. Nwali Rollins, a House of Assembly candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and other party members to Amaezekwe for a grassroots consultation.

The attack, which reportedly took place on Wednesday, turned what was intended to be a political engagement with residents into a violent confrontation.

According to a statement issued by the Ebonyi State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Darlington Peter Onwe, the assailants opened fire on the security operatives without warning.

Onwe said the DSS personnel responded to the attack, engaging the suspected gunmen in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

He claimed that the operatives neutralised one of the attackers and critically injured two others while successfully evacuating the NDC candidate and accompanying party members from the scene.

However, a security vehicle attached to the convoy was reportedly set ablaze during the incident.

The PDP spokesperson expressed concern over the attack, warning that the incident could have resulted in a far greater loss of life had the security operatives failed to repel the assailants and evacuate the political delegation.

He condemned the incident and urged political actors across the state to refrain from violence, stressing the need for peaceful political engagements as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

Onwe also called on the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the DSS, the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and take immediate steps to prevent similar attacks.

He emphasised that security personnel must be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without being subjected to armed attacks.

The PDP spokesperson further warned that unchecked political violence could threaten public safety and undermine the credibility of the forthcoming elections.

He urged political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns, respect democratic principles and resolve political differences through lawful means.

“Nigerians and, indeed, the people of Ebonyi State deserve peaceful and credible elections free from violence. It is an election, not a war,” Onwe said.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of political candidates, party supporters and security personnel during political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

The allegations linking the attackers to the APC were made by the PDP spokesperson and have not been independently verified. Further details about the identities of the casualties, the circumstances surrounding the attack and any official response from the security agencies were not provided in the statement.