Gunmen attack convoy linked to former Anambra Governor; one dead, several injured
A convoy associated with former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige, came under heavy gunfire on Thursday along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area, triggering panic and leaving one civilian dead and two others injured.
Although the convoy was targeted, Dr. Ngige was not travelling with the team at the time of the ambush, according to a statement issued by his former media aide, Sir Fred Chukwuelobe.
He explained that the attackers, reportedly dressed in police and military fatigues, opened fire on the pilot vehicle, injuring a police officer who was part of the advance security detail.
The assailants were said to have stripped the wounded officer of his gun and uniform before fleeing the scene.
The incident turned deadly when a woman who attempted to record the attack on her mobile phone was shot and killed instantly.
In a separate tragedy, a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was hit by bullets. Witnesses said he bled heavily before being taken to hospital, where doctors are preparing him for surgery to extract the remaining bullets.
Medical personnel have described his condition as stable and assured that he is likely to make a full recovery.
The pilot car, which bore the brunt of the attack, was extensively damaged by gunfire.
Authorities confirmed that no police personnel were killed, and the escort team leader who sustained gunshot injuries has already undergone surgery and is expected to recover.
Sir Chukwuelobe, in his statement, noted that Dr. Ngige personally confirmed the attack in a phone conversation.
“His Excellency assured that the injured are receiving the best possible medical attention,” he said, adding that the former governor extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the woman who died while filming the incident.
As of the time this report was filed, the Anambra State Police Command had not issued an official response to the attack.
