Gunmen Attack Convoy Of Former Minister Chris Ngige In Anambra

Armed criminals ambushed the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving several people wounded in a brazen daylight attack.

The former minister, who was not present during the incident, confirmed the assault to journalists and expressed his determination to ensure accountability for those responsible.

“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished,” he said.

The assault occurred as the vehicles were returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor, traveling along the heavily-trafficked Umuoji–Nkpor Road toward Alor, the former governor’s hometown.

Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, provided details of the violent encounter.

A police officer in the lead vehicle sustained gunshot wounds, and the attackers—who wore police and army uniforms—seized his weapon and uniform.

Tragically, a woman who was recording the incident was fatally shot. A nearby shop owner who emerged to witness the commotion was also shot and lost substantial blood. He is awaiting surgery but is expected to make a full recovery.

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The lead vehicle sustained extensive bullet damage, while the injured escort team leader has undergone surgical treatment and is anticipated to recover completely.

In response to the attack, the Anambra State Police Command has initiated a comprehensive statewide search for those responsible.

Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga revealed that authorities recovered a white Mercedes-Benz SUV that had been stolen by the assailants during their swift counteroffensive.

“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 statement said.

“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.”

Security forces continue their intensive search for the fleeing suspects as investigations into the violent incident proceed.