ENUGU STATE — The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, has expressed intense outrage and demanded an immediate, transparent investigation following a violent police operation that resulted in peaceful, elderly residents being tear-gassed during a community prayer meeting.
The distressing incident unfolded in Umuokara Village, Orba, situated within the Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. According to reports and documents detailing the event, local organizers had fully adhered to official protocols by formally applying for authorized police security coverage for the gathering. In compliance with procedural requests, the organizers reportedly transferred the sum of ₦160,000 via a Point of Sale (POS) terminal directly to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Obollo-Afor, Mr. Abraham Abrajas.
Despite these security arrangements and the peaceful nature of the meeting—which was organized as a town hall and prayer session for the NDC’s Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Frank Omeje Okenwa—armed police operatives unexpectedly stormed the venue. Witnesses reported that officers fired tear gas canisters directly into the packed hall, causing widespread panic and leaving several elderly men and women hospitalized.
Reacting sharply to the clampdown via his official social media handle, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa condemned the assault as “unacceptable, deeply disturbing, and completely inconsistent with the values of a democratic society”. He emphasized that the victims were mothers, fathers, and grandparents who posed no threat and carried no weapons, but had simply gathered to exercise their fundamental constitutional right to freedom of assembly and prayer.
Ohaa further criticized the disturbing irony of an institution meant to protect citizens turning into a source of terror, especially after formal financial contributions for security were duly paid. Highlighting that this event forms part of a broader, worrisome pattern of intimidation targeting opposition members across the state, he called upon both the Inspector-General of Police and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police to launch an urgent, thorough inquiry to ensure all culpable officers face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.