In a brazen daylight assault, armed gunmen attacked the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, in Anambra State on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
The violent incident occurred along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige's hometown in Idemili North Local Government Area. According to multiple sources, the convoy vehicles were returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the assailants struck.
Senator Ngige, who confirmed the attack to journalists, emphasized that he was not physically present in the convoy during the assault. "I was not in the convoy. I'm still alive and well," the former minister stated. "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."
Casualties and Stolen Items
The attack resulted in multiple casualties, including security personnel and civilians. Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige's former Special Adviser on Media, provided disturbing details about the incident.
A police officer traveling in the pilot car was shot by the attackers, who were reportedly dressed in police and army uniforms. The assailants subsequently took away the officer's firearm and uniform.
Tragically, a woman who attempted to film the violent encounter was fatally shot. Another civilian, a shop owner who rushed out to investigate the commotion, also sustained gunshot wounds. The shop owner lost significant blood volume and has been scheduled for surgery, though medical officials expect a full recovery.
The pilot vehicle in the convoy was riddled with bullet holes during the exchange of fire. The wounded escort leader has undergone surgical procedures and is also anticipated to make a complete recovery.
Police Response and Investigation
The Anambra State Police Command has initiated a comprehensive state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the coordinated law enforcement response to the incident.
According to Ikenga, 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 were already pursuing armed criminals who had attacked a police patrol team at Eziowelle along Umuoji Road when they encountered Ngige's police convoy.
The convoy promptly joined the pursuing operatives and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, forcing the criminals to abandon a previously snatched white Mercedes-Benz SUV and flee the scene under intense pressure.
One police operative sustained minor gunshot injuries during the confrontation but remains in stable condition while receiving treatment at a medical facility. The recovered vehicle has been secured and taken into police custody for further investigation as operatives intensify the coordinated state-wide search for the fleeing armed hoodlums.
