The convoy of former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Dr. Chris Ngige, came under heavy attack on the Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area on Monday, prompting widespread concern over rising insecurity in the state.
According to a statement released by his spokesman, Fred Chukwuelobe, and sighted by Newday Reporters, the armed attackers, believed to be disguised in police and military uniforms, opened fire multiple times on the convoy. The pilot vehicle was severely damaged, riddled with bullets during the ambush.
A police officer in the pilot car sustained gunshot injuries, and the assailants reportedly dispossessed him of his service rifle and uniform before fleeing. Chukwuelobe noted that Dr. Ngige was not travelling with the convoy at the time of the attack.
Tragically, a female bystander who was recording the incident on her phone was fatally shot by the gunmen. A shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also hit by stray bullets. He lost a significant amount of blood and is scheduled for surgery to extract the bullets lodged in his body. Medical personnel, however, expect him to recover fully.
Newday Reporters can confirm that no police officer was killed in the assault. The escort team leader, who suffered gunshot wounds, has already undergone surgery and is also expected to make a full recovery. The injured shop owner was fortunate, as the bullets narrowly missed his spine.
“I just spoke with His Excellency, and he personally confirmed the incident,” Chukwuelobe said in the statement. “He has assured that he will do everything within his power to ensure that the injured victims receive proper medical attention. He also extended his condolences to the family of the woman who was tragically killed while trying to record the attack.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the ambush.
