A woman who was reportedly filming gunmen dressed in police and army uniforms attacking the convoy of former Anambra State Governor Dr. Chris Ngige has died on the spot, eyewitnesses say.
The incident occurred yesterday along Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area.
Ngige, who previously served as Nigeria’s Labour Minister, narrowly escaped harm as he was not in the vehicle at the time of the attack.
According to sources, the assailants opened fire on Ngige’s convoy, prompting security operatives in the convoy to return fire.
A police officer and a local shop owner were also wounded during the shootout.
The injured shop owner reportedly lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, while the police escort leader has undergone surgery and is recovering.
A statement from Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, confirmed that the former governor was not in the convoy when the attack took place.
The statement explained that the gunmen targeted the pilot vehicle, injuring the lead escort and seizing his gun and uniform.
The vehicle was reportedly riddled with bullets during the attack.
Ngige expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased woman and assured that efforts were underway to provide medical care for those injured.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the attack but clarified that only one officer was injured, who is now stable and receiving treatment.
A coordinated state-wide manhunt for the fleeing gunmen has been launched.
The police also announced the recovery of a white Mercedes-Benz SUV that had been snatched by the attackers.
A joint team of tactical operatives from the Operations Department Awka, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Akwuzu, and the Special Anti-Cultism Unit (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu pursued the criminals.
During the chase, the convoy joined the operation, engaging the hoodlums in a gunfight and forcing them to abandon the vehicle before fleeing.
The police reassured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all recovered vehicles have been secured.
