There was tension in Anambra State on Thursday after gunmen attacked the convoy of former Governor of the state, Dr Chris Ngige, along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area. Although the former governor was not in the convoy at the time of the incident, one woman was shot dead while two other people sustained injuries. The armed men also stole a police rifle and uniform.
The attack was made public in a statement issued by Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe. According to the statement, the incident happened while members of the convoy were on routine movement along the busy Nkpor–Nnobi corridor, a route known for heavy traffic and commercial activities.
Chukwuelobe explained that the gunmen were dressed in police and army uniforms, causing confusion among road users and members of Ngige’s security team. They suddenly opened fire on the pilot vehicle leading the convoy. A police officer in that vehicle was shot, and his service rifle and uniform were taken away by the attackers.
The statement noted that despite the heavy gunfire, no police officer was killed. The injured policeman, who also serves as the escort leader, was taken to the hospital where he was operated on. Doctors say he is expected to fully recover.
However, the attack turned fatal for a young woman who attempted to record the incident on her mobile phone. The gunmen allegedly noticed her filming and shot her, killing her on the spot. Her death has added to the rising concern about insecurity on major roads in Anambra State.
A shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also hit by bullets. He lost a lot of blood before he was rescued and taken to a hospital. Doctors said he would need surgery to remove the bullets lodged in his body, but they are optimistic he will make a full recovery since the bullets did not hit his spine.
Chukwuelobe added that the pilot car in the convoy was riddled with bullets as the attackers continued shooting before escaping. No arrests have been made.
The statement revealed that Dr Ngige, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006 and later as Minister of Labour and Employment, was deeply concerned about the attack. Chukwuelobe said he spoke with the former governor shortly after the incident.
According to him, Ngige expressed sadness over the death of the lady who was recording the shooting and sent his condolences to her family. He also promised to ensure that all those who were injured receive proper medical treatment.
Attacks by armed men have continued to be a major security challenge in Anambra State and other parts of the South-East in recent years. Although security forces have intensified patrols in many areas, gunmen still strike at random, targeting motorists, security agents, and sometimes public officials.
The Nkpor–Nnobi axis, where this attack took place, is a busy route connecting different parts of Idemili, Nnewi, and Onitsha. It is used daily by traders, commercial drivers, and commuters heading to the popular Nkpor and Nnewi markets. Despite the presence of security checkpoints on some parts of the road, hoodlums have continued to carry out violent attacks, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
Residents say the attackers often disguise as security personnel, wearing uniforms similar to those used by the police or military. This makes it difficult for motorists to identify real officers from impostors. There have been several reports of criminals mounting fake checkpoints, stopping vehicles, robbing passengers, and sometimes shooting at approaching cars.
The latest attack on Ngige’s convoy has renewed calls from community leaders and civil society groups for stronger security operations along major roads in the state.
As of the time the statement was issued, the Anambra State Police Command had not released an official report on the attack. Residents and journalists are still waiting for the police to confirm details, explain what transpired, and outline steps being taken to track down the attackers.
Dr Chris Ngige is one of the most prominent political figures in Anambra State. He became governor in 2003 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later served two terms as senator representing Anambra Central. In 2015, he was appointed Minister of Labour and Employment by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held for eight years.
Ngige remains influential in the state’s political landscape, and his convoy still moves with security escorts provided by the government.
News of the attack spread quickly across social media, with many Nigerians expressing shock and concern. Some residents of Idemili North described it as another sign of the worsening security situation in the area.
Others called on the state government to increase security presence on the roads, especially as the festive season approaches and many people travel home.
