Amnesty condemns attack on NDC supporters at Enugu airport

Amnesty International has decried an alleged assault on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) who convened at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State to greet the party’s gubernatorial contender, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa. In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the human rights group voiced alarm at accounts that the NDC backers were assaulted, with circulating videos depicting individuals fleeing the area amid claims of gunfire and tear gas.

"Amnesty International strongly condemns ruthless attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that gathered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu to welcome the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa," the organization declared.

Certain NDC supporters alleged that they were shot at and subjected to tear gas while attempting to leave the scene, while others accused security forces of remaining passive as the incident unfolded. Videos posted online reportedly displayed some individuals with blood-stained garments, and multiple supporters were reported to have sustained injuries.

Amnesty International contended that the incident aligned with a disturbing trend of targeting opposition members across Nigeria. The organization cautioned that persistent attacks and restraints on peaceful assembly could impede political engagement and curtail the capacity of opposition groups to convene freely. "Such repeated attacks and intimidation against opposition figures could make it more difficult for them to associate freely and hold public gatherings," the statement emphasized.

Amnesty International's condemnation underscores apprehensions regarding the security of political supporters and the preservation of freedom of association and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.