A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, has reportedly escaped an assassination attempt, with two police officers sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack in Anambra State.
According to the account provided by the aspirant, the incident occurred early Sunday morning in Abatete, when armed men allegedly stormed a proposed venue for a stakeholders’ meeting he had scheduled.
Ibezi claimed the attackers, who reportedly identified themselves as members of a local security outfit, created panic at the scene and attempted to disrupt the planned gathering.
He further alleged that upon his arrival at the venue, accompanied by police officers, the situation escalated as the assailants became aggressive and opened fire.
In what he described as a direct attempt on his life, Ibezi said one of the gunmen fired in his direction.
However, the bullets struck two police officers attached to his security detail.
The injured officers were immediately evacuated to a medical facility, with one reportedly requiring surgical intervention.
The incident follows heightened tensions over the proposed meeting, which had earlier been opposed by the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, who cited security concerns in a statement issued on Saturday.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, acknowledged that the incident occurred, although full details from law enforcement authorities are still being awaited.
While no fatalities were officially confirmed at the time of filing this report, the incident raises serious concerns about political violence and the safety of public office aspirants in the lead-up to electoral activities.
Credit: Blueprint except headline
