A tense scene unfolded in Anambra State after gunmen opened fire on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, in Umuoji, Idemili North.
Although Ngige was not in the convoy at the time, he confirmed the attack, expressing shock over the violence.
He said he had returned home to relax, only to hear of the incident.
According to him, those behind the assault “will not go unpunished.”
The vehicles were said to be returning from a mechanic in Nkpor when the armed men struck along the Umuoji–Nkpor Road, the route leading to Ngige’s hometown of Alor.
Ngige’s former media aide, Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, explained that the attackers disguised in police and military uniforms.
A policeman in the lead vehicle was shot, and his weapon and uniform were taken away by the armed men.
The violence did not stop there.
A woman who tried to record the incident on her phone was reportedly shot dead.
A shop owner who rushed out in confusion was also hit and lost a large amount of blood.
He is expected to undergo surgery but should recover fully.
The pilot car in the convoy was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort commander has already undergone surgery and is responding well.
Following the attack, the Anambra State Police Command said it had launched a coordinated manhunt for the fleeing gunmen.
Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that a white Mercedes-Benz SUV earlier snatched by the assailants was recovered after officers engaged the criminals in a fierce chase.
He explained that tactical teams from Awka, Akwuzu, and Enugu-Ukwu joined forces with another police convoy that encountered the suspects during the pursuit.
The exchange of gunfire forced the attackers to abandon the stolen SUV and flee under pressure.
One police officer sustained a minor gunshot injury and is currently receiving treatment.
Ikenga added that preliminary findings confirmed that the convoy belonged to Senator Chris Ngige.
The recovered vehicle has been secured as investigations continue, with police intensifying efforts to track down the attackers.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments