A young woman lost her life after gunmen opened fire on the convoy of former Anambra State governor and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, during a violent ambush that sent residents into panic.
The attackers struck along the Nkpor–Nnobi corridor in Idemili North, unleashing gunshots that left several people wounded.
Although Ngige was not in the convoy at the time, the incident has raised fresh concerns over rising insecurity on major roads in the state.
According to Fred Chukwuelobe, who previously served as Ngige’s spokesperson, the assailants were disguised in military and police camouflage.
He explained that the attackers targeted the lead vehicle of the convoy, shooting a police officer before seizing his rifle and uniform.
“What we saw was a coordinated assault. It is disturbing that criminals now mimic security agencies to launch such attacks,” Chukwuelobe said.
The lady who died was reportedly recording the unfolding attack with her mobile phone when a bullet hit her.
Security sources described her death as “tragic and avoidable,” noting that stray gunfire has become more frequent during highway ambushes.
A shop owner who rushed out to understand the cause of the commotion also sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Chukwuelobe said the victim is responding to treatment.
“Doctors told us the bullets narrowly missed his spine, and he is expected to recover fully,” he noted.
Police authorities confirmed that no officer died from the gunfire, although one of the escorts underwent surgery and is expected to return to duty soon.
“The team acted with remarkable courage despite the shock of the ambush,” a senior officer said during a brief interaction with journalists.
Ngige, who confirmed receiving details of the attack, described the killing of the young woman as heartbreaking.
He promised to support the medical care of all injured persons. “Lives must never be reduced to collateral damage,” he said.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Ikenga Tochukwu announced that security operatives recovered a white Mercedes-Benz SUV allegedly taken by the gunmen during the ambush.
He said investigations were ongoing and assured residents that patrols along the affected route would be intensified.
The incident adds to growing anxiety over attacks on convoys and civilians in the region, prompting calls for improved surveillance and stronger community policing measures.