Gunmen on Thursday launched a violent attack on the convoy of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige, along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
According to a statement issued by Ngige’s former media aide, Sir Fred Chukwuelobe, the former governor was not in the convoy at the time of the ambush.
The attackers, reportedly dressed in police and military uniforms, opened fire on the pilot vehicle, shooting a policeman and carting away his rifle and uniform.
In a tragic twist, a woman who was filming the unfolding incident on her phone was shot dead by the gunmen. A nearby shop owner who rushed to the scene was also hit by bullets.
He suffered heavy blood loss and is expected to undergo surgery to remove the lodged bullets. Doctors say he is in stable condition and should make a full recovery.
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Despite the intensity of the attack, which left the pilot car riddled with bullet holes, no police officer was confirmed dead. The injured escort team leader has already undergone surgery and is projected to recover fully. The shop owner was also lucky, as none of the bullets affected his spine.
Chukwuelobe said he personally spoke with Dr. Ngige, who confirmed the incident and assured that the injured are receiving adequate medical attention. He also expressed deep condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life while attempting to record the attack.
As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding the incident.