Ngige Raises Alarm Over Gunmen in Uniforms, Says Attackers Called Police ‘Zoo Govt’ Agents

 

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has recounted how armed men in police and military uniforms attacked his convoy on Wednesday, declaring that he is safe but deeply concerned about the growing boldness of criminal groups in Anambra State.

Ngige spoke at his Alor country home in Idemili South Local Government Area when the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, paid him a visit over the incident.

According to him, the attack occurred while his pilot driver and security aides were returning from Umuoji, where his vehicle had gone for maintenance.

“They were on their way back when they noticed some vehicles speeding towards them. The vehicles later reversed, chased after them and opened fire,” Ngige said.

He added that although his convoy driver successfully manoeuvred into a shop for cover, his police orderlies were not as lucky.

“One of the policemen engaged them until he ran out of ammunition. They shot him in the leg, took his rifle and stripped him of his uniform,” he said.

Ngige revealed that the attackers, who were fully dressed as security personnel, mocked the policemen, claiming they were serving a “zoo government” and warning that they would return.

“That statement alone is worrisome. They are clearly mopping up arms and police uniforms. If they are not tracked down quickly, it could jeopardise the peace we have enjoyed in the state these past three months,” he said.

The former Anambra governor also confirmed that a woman was killed during the exchange of gunfire.

Ngige disclosed that he had informed Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who assured him that security agencies were already working to apprehend the assailants.

He noted that while his long-serving pilot driver is widely recognised and may have made the convoy an obvious target, the attack could also have been aimed at dispossessing policemen of their weapons.

“I am not insisting it was a targeted attack. They may have simply seen a police escort and decided to harvest guns and uniforms. Anyone targeting me is wasting their time,” he added.

On whether the attack had any link to recent agitation surrounding the incarceration of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Ngige maintained that Kanu’s matter still requires a political solution.

“My position has been consistent. I raised this with former President Buhari. Governor Soludo has also said he is willing to take Kanu. Even if he is not released to us, he can be released to Britain,” he said.

Ngige expressed concern about Kanu’s health condition, suggesting that the psychiatric assessment done on him may not have captured all issues.

As Christmas approaches and many residents prepare to return home, Ngige urged security agencies to ensure the attackers are apprehended promptly, warning that the gang’s modus operandi poses serious risks to the state.