Chief Uche Nnaji, the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu State escaped what his political associates describes as assassination attempt on Wednesday night, JOURNALIST101 reports exclusively.
An impeccable security source told our correspondent that Nnaji escaped on hurt, all thanks to the combined team of his security details (police and the DSS) and his bulletproof SUV vehicle.
The convoy of Nnaji came under attack at about 9pm, sources at the scene said. Our correspondent learnt that the Governorship hopeful was making his way back to his Akpugo home in Nkanu west local government area after the day’s campaign activities.
“The attackers riding on motorcycles and Tricycle (Keke NAPEP) on sighting the convoy of Chief Nnaji opened fire. This happened beside Fidelity bank as he was making his way to Agbani, the capital of Nkanu East. Local Government,” the witness narrated.
The bullet ridden vehicle Uche Nnaji was riding in
A security source said the operatives in the convoy gave a good account of themselves as they engaged the AK-47 wielding gunmen in a heavy gun duel.
“It was a very tough gun battle. Chief Nnaji’s car was riddled with bullets. One of the vehicles was hit on the tire but the driver braved it and returned to safety. He drove the vehicle on only its alloy rim.
“I’m sure that two of the attackers were fatally wounded, however, as a result of the poor visibility because of the time, it was risky to attempt to recover the bodies,” the source said.
A party source also told our correspondent that two drivers in the convoy were hit by bullet. While one was hit on his hand, the other was hit on his thighs. The party member who said he’s not authorised to speak, said the drivers are recovering and are out of operation room.
JOURNALIST101 reports that the attack took place few hours after Barr. Oyibo Chukwu, the Senatorial Candidate of the Labour Party for Enugu East Senatorial Zone was killed and his remains burnt inside the vehicle along Amaechi Awkunanaw road.
At about the same time, one of the drivers of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party was killed and burnt inside a branded mini bus vehicle he was driving.