A group of hoodlums launched an attack on the convoy of the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry during the honorable commissioner’s familiarisation tour to markets in the Aba metropolis.
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, yesterday escaped death after his convoy was attacked in Aba.
However, a police officer attached to Ukaegbu, who was former Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce to Governor Alex Otti, was killed and a vehicle belonging to Abia State Ministry for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, burnt.
A police inspector was also killed in the attack.
This was contained in a press statement released by the Abia State Command of the Nigerian Police, signed by ASP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, for the Commissioner of Police.
Chinaka said: “At approximately 4 PM on Tuesday, 25/07/2023, a distressing incident occurred at SAMEC, located near Faulks Road in Aba. A group of hoodlums launched an attack on the convoy of the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry during the honorable commissioner’s familiarisation tour to markets in the Aba metropolis. The convoy was en route to Ekeoha shopping plaza when the armed assailants opened fire.
“Regrettably, amidst the chaos, two police officers lost their lives in the line of duty. A police constable who was part of the security convoy, was fatally shot.
“Additionally, a police inspector who was not initially part of the convoy but happened to be on a separate assignment with a police Hilux, also met the scene and tragically lost his life.
“Furthermore, the hoodlums set ablaze a vehicle belonging to the Ministry for Trade, Commerce, and Investment.”
While condemning this cowardly act of violence, she assured the public that the state police remains steadfast in its resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. She added that the Commissioner of Police has commissioned discreet investigations to ensure justice is served.
“We urge the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies. Any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could prove pivotal in identifying and apprehending the culprits responsible for this heinous act.”