A team of journalists narrowly escaped what witnesses described as a mob attack while covering a political event in Ebonyi State on Saturday, August 1, 2026, after suspected political thugs allegedly targeted them in Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area.
The media crew was travelling in a branded official vehicle to report on the formal defection of Chief Ifeanyi Nworie from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitness accounts, more than 50 suspected hoodlums allegedly confronted the journalists, vandalised their vehicle, and attempted to gain access to it. The attackers were reportedly led by a lawyer, Barrister Friday Agbom.
Witnesses further claimed that the assailants searched for fuel with the intention of setting the vehicle on fire, but the driver managed to escape before the situation escalated.
Residents also alleged that the group remained at the entrance of the event venue for several hours, preventing invited guests from accessing the programme. Some of the individuals were reportedly dressed in T-shirts bearing the image of a serving senator.
During the disturbance, a passer-by was allegedly assaulted by the suspected thugs and beaten before collapsing into a nearby bush, according to eyewitnesses.
The political gathering, originally scheduled to take place at the village square, was relocated to the organiser’s residence following the disruption. However, sources said the suspected attackers also blocked the access road leading to the residence and allegedly continued to harass and assault people attempting to attend the event.
Security personnel were present at the original venue, with over 20 armed police officers reportedly deployed to maintain order. Despite the security presence, the programme was eventually disrupted.
The latest incident comes weeks after the Ezza Ezekuna General Assembly reportedly issued a communiqué warning residents against supporting political parties outside its preferred platform.
Reacting to the allegations, Barrister Friday Agbom questioned why journalists were covering the activities of opposition political parties in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued an official statement on the incident.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
