A woman who attempted to record an attack on the convoy of former Anambra State governor, Dr. Chris Ngige, was on Tuesday shot dead by gunmen along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The victim, said to have stepped out of her hairdressing salon to film the unfolding scene, died instantly after she was spotted by the assailants, who eyewitnesses said wore police and army camouflage.
Ngige, a former Minister of Labour and Employment, escaped unhurt as he was not travelling in the convoy at the time of the attack. The gunmen reportedly ran into the convoy and opened fire, prompting a response from security operatives escorting the former governor.
A police officer and a shop owner were also injured in the exchange. The shop owner, who rushed out on hearing gunshots, reportedly lost a large amount of blood and is scheduled for surgery. The escort commander, who sustained gunshot wounds, has undergone surgery and is said to be responding well.
Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, confirmed the incident, explaining that the attackers targeted the pilot vehicle, injuring the lead escort and carting away his rifle and uniform. The pilot car was riddled with bullets.
Chukwuelobe said Ngige had spoken with him about the assault and expressed condolences to the family of the woman killed while filming the attack.
The Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the ambush, stating that one police operative sustained injuries and is receiving treatment. According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the bullet-riddled vehicle has been recovered, while a coordinated, state-wide manhunt for the attackers is underway.
Ikenga further disclosed that police tactical units recovered a white Mercedes-Benz SUV earlier snatched by the fleeing gunmen. The vehicle was abandoned during a gun duel involving officers from the Operations Department Awka, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Akwuzu, the Special Anti-Cultism Unit (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu, and a responding police convoy.
He said the fleeing criminals escaped under intense pressure, while investigations continue.
