By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Information reaching us have it that tragedy struck on Thursday in parts of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State as a woman lost her life after being caught in a violent gun battle between unidentified gunmen and police escorts attached to a convoy linked to former Governor of the state and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige.
Former Spokesman to Ngige, Chief Fred Chukwulobe, who revealed this in a statement shared through his social media handle, explained that the deadly incident reportedly occurred when suspected armed men attacked the convoy along the busy Nkpor–Nnobi axis. Although Senator Ngige was not physically present in the convoy at the time of the attack, the escort team came under sudden and intense gunfire from the assailants.
During the attack, a police officer in the pilot vehicle of the convoy was reportedly shot, while his service rifle and uniform were forcibly seized by the attackers. The pilot vehicle was also reportedly riddled with bullets.
The incident, however, became fatal when, a woman (civilian) who was video-recording the gun battle with her phone was sighted and shot dead by the gunmen. Her death reportedly occurred instantly at the scene, igniting more panic in the area as residents scampered for safety.
Also caught in the crossfire was a shop owner in the area, who reportedly rushed out to observe the situation as the incident tarried; and he was also shot by the gunmen, resulting in serious injuries on him and loss of significant amount of blood. However, it was gathered that the victim has been hospitalized and is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery to remove the bullets lodged in his body.
Further checks and details, according to Mr. Chukwulobe, revealed that no police officer was killed during the incident. The escort leader who sustained gunshot injuries was also said to have undergone successful surgery and currently responding positively to treatment.
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