“Gunmen Who Attacked My Convoy Told My Security They Were Serving a ‘Zoo Government’ — Ngige”

Senator Chris Ngige has recounted the attack on his convoy in Anambra State, describing how gunmen dressed in security uniforms opened fire on his aides and left one person dead. He spoke about the incident when Peter Obi visited his country home in Alor to express sympathy.

Ngige said he had been in the state since the weekend and had asked his aides to run several errands, including taking one of his vehicles for servicing. On their return, the convoy was intercepted near Umuoji by armed men who appeared to be in police and military uniforms. According to him, the attackers chased the vehicles and began shooting, killing a woman who was recording the scene and injuring his police orderly, who was also stripped of his rifle and uniform.

He dismissed rumours of his death and described the attackers’ comments accusing the policemen of serving a “zoo government” as a worrying signal that the group may be targeting security personnel to seize weapons and uniforms. Ngige said he had already spoken with the state governor, who assured him that the attackers would be tracked down, warning that failure to do so could disrupt the relative peace the state has enjoyed in recent months, especially with the Christmas season approaching.

Ngige said it was unclear whether he was personally targeted, noting that his pilot driver is well known and has driven him for more than two decades. He added, however, that the gunmen may simply have been hunting for police officers, making the attack coincidental.

Commenting on the reference the attackers made to the “zoo government” and the recent imprisonment of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Ngige reiterated his belief that Kanu’s case requires a political solution. He said Kanu should be released, whether to local authorities or to Britain, and suggested that his health condition merits serious medical consideration.

Peter Obi thanked God for Ngige’s safety and expressed condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life during the attack.