Two Police Officers Shot as Hon. Ibezi Alleges Armed Thugs Tried to Assassinate Him

Former Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education and former member representing Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, has alleged an assassination attempt on his life, accusing thugs allegedly linked to Idemili North Mayor, Chief Stanley Nkwoka, of attacking a stakeholders’ meeting in the early hours of Sunday.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ibezi claimed the incident occurred around 6:15 a.m. at the venue of a political stakeholders’ meeting he convened, where armed men said to be posing as operatives of the local security outfit, Udogachi, stormed the gathering and disrupted proceedings.

Describing the incident as “a brazen act of violence and attempted assassination,” Ibezi alleged the group opened fire and threatened attendees, including police officers assigned to his security.

“One of the assailants fired directly in my direction. Unfortunately, the bullets struck two police officers on duty, leaving both wounded,” he said.

According to him, the attackers were led by Mr. Chima Udu, identified as a personal assistant to the Idemili North Mayor and a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ibezi linked the incident to what he described as prior threats, claiming the attack followed a “threatening public letter” allegedly issued by the mayor a day earlier.

“It became unmistakably clear that this attack was a dangerous escalation of those earlier threats,” he stated.

He further alleged the armed men fired sporadically at the venue, intimidated participants and blocked efforts to evacuate the injured officers, delaying their movement to hospital through threats and confrontation.

The two police officers, according to the statement, are receiving treatment, with one reportedly scheduled for surgery.

Condemning the incident, Ibezi said political disagreements should not descend into violence.

“No society can progress where political disagreement is answered with bullets, intimidation and bloodshed,” he said.

He vowed to pursue legal action against those behind the attack and insisted the stakeholders’ meeting would still hold at an alternative venue.

“The collective resolve of the people of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency cannot, and will never, be suppressed by acts of aggression,” he said.

Ibezi also referenced the security efforts of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, saying it was regrettable that local political tensions were allegedly undermining peace in the area.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Chief Stanley Nkwoka, his aide Chima Udu, the NSCDC, or the police command regarding the allegations.