Gunmen attacked the convoy of ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, at Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The convoy of ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, came under attack from gunmen at Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Senator Ngige, who personally confirmed the incident while speaking with journalists, explained that he was absent from the convoy at the time of the assault. He disclosed that multiple individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were injured.
“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said
The vehicles had reportedly just left a mechanic’s workshop in Nkpor and were heading back when the assailants opened fire along the heavily travelled Umuoji–Nkpor Road that leads to Alor, the hometown of Senator Ngige.
Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, who previously served as Special Adviser on Media to Ngige, stated that a policeman riding in the pilot vehicle was shot, and the attackers—who were wearing police and military uniforms—seized the officer’s firearm and uniform.
He further confirmed that a woman who was recording the incident with her phone was shot dead. He stated that a nearby shop owner who ran outside to find out what was going on was also hit by bullets, lost a large amount of blood, and is now scheduled to undergo surgery, though he is expected to make a full recovery.
The pilot vehicle was heavily damaged and covered with bullet holes, whereas the injured escort commander has already been operated on and is likewise expected to recover completely.
In the meantime, the Anambra State Police Command has commenced a massive statewide operation to track down those responsible.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, while briefing journalists, revealed that a white Mercedes-Benz SUV previously hijacked by the attackers had been recovered after a swift coordinated police action.
“A combined team of Police Tactical Operatives from the Operations Department Awka, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Akwuzu, and the Special Anti-Cultism Unit (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu, while in hot pursuit of armed criminals who attacked a police patrol team at Eziowelle along Umuoji Road, encountered a Police Convoy that promptly joined in the engagement.
The convoy swiftly aligned with the pursuing operatives and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, forcing the criminals to abandon the snatched white Mercedes-Benz SUV and flee the scene under intense pressure.
Meanwhile, one police operative who sustained a minor gunshot injury is stable and currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
Preliminary information indicates that the officers in the convoy are attached to Senator Chris Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State and former Minister of Labour and Employment.
The recovered vehicle has been secured and taken into police custody for further investigation, as operatives intensify a coordinated state-wide manhunt for the fleeing armed hoodlums.” he said
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
