In Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, gunmen ambushed the motorcade of Senator Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labor and Employment.
Ngige, who told reporters about the event, claimed he wasn’t in the convoy when it happened. He said that a number of people had been shot and hurt.
“The convoy did not include me. I’m still here and doing great. The thugs have resumed their activities. I traveled to my state to unwind, but what transpired is regrettable. I’ll return to Abuja. However, I promise that individuals who committed this will face consequences. He stated
The gunmen reportedly attacked along the popular Umuoji–Nkpor Road as the cars were returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor.
He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.
The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.
Speaking to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, added that a white Mercedes-Benz SUV, earlier snatched by the assailants, has been recovered following a coordinated response.
“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
