Chris Azubogu, a member of the House of Representatives who represents the federal constituency of Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo, has claimed that the attack on his convoy on September 30, 2021, was directed at him.
Azubogu, who was running for the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship ticket, was attacked while driving through Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area.
In a press release made available to DAILY POST and signed by Azubogu, the lawmaker said the attack left him speechless, especially as he lost one of his drivers during the attack.
“Exactly a year today, (September 30, 2021), my convoy was viciously attacked by unknown assailants in a swift operation in which I was believed to be the primary target,” Azubogu said in the release.
“Quite, unfortunately, one of the drivers in the convoy, Mr. Ikechukwu, was killed. The very sad curve for me was that the late Mr. Ikechukwu actually resumed work the same day he was brutally killed; after he had reached out to my Chief Driver who helped him secure the much-needed job through which he had planned to fend for his young family.
“It is traumatic each time to remember that a young man who strived to feed his family from proceeds of a legitimate job was killed by heartless criminals who take liberty in destroying what they cannot create.”
Away from reports that he was in the convoy at the time of the attack, the lawmaker said the convoy was actually coming to the airport to pick him.
The lawmaker who was today honoured with an award by the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said he could not travel, as a mark of respect for his driver who was killed on the same day, a year ago.
He called for support for the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to fight against criminals in the state.
“There is no gainsaying that violent crimes are a societal plague which spread or sustenance leaves everyone unsafe. It endangers society at large and we can only defeat the scourge when we stand and work together.
“We must therefore unite in supporting Mr. Governor’s effort and resolve to end insecurity and violent crime in our dear state.”
Many prominent personalities have been attacked and killed by unknown gunmen in the state. While a serving lawmaker was beheaded, the husband of former minister of information, Dr Chike Akunyili was killed, among others.
The latest was the recent attack on the senator representing the Anambra South Senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who was attacked two weeks ago and lost four policemen in his convoy, his personal assistant and his personal photographer.
The senator was able to escape because he rode in a bulletproof car.