04/26/2026
ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF HON. IFEANYICHUKWU IBEZI BY THUGS ALLEGEDLY LINKED TO IDEMILI NORTH MAYOR, CHIEF STANLEY NKWOKA — TWO POLICE OFFICERS HOSPITALISED
Earlier today, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., I received an urgent distress call that a group of armed men, claiming to be operatives of the local security outfit, Udogachi, had stormed the venue of the stakeholders’ meeting I had convened for today. Their presence immediately created fear, tension, and a deliberate attempt to disrupt what was intended to be a peaceful and lawful gathering.
Upon arriving at the venue, accompanied by police officers assigned to provide security, I asked why they were there. Rather than offer any lawful explanation, the group became violently aggressive. They began firing gunshots into the air, issuing threats, and pointing weapons in the direction of both myself and the security personnel on duty.
The group was led by Mr. Chima Udu, Personal Assistant to the Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Nkwoka, and a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). In light of the threatening public letter issued by the Mayor the previous day, it became unmistakably clear that this attack was a dangerous escalation of those earlier threats.
In order to prevent loss of life and avoid further chaos, I withdrew from the immediate scene while contacting the relevant security authorities. Shockingly, the armed men reeking of alcohol at the early morning continued their intimidation, firing sporadic gunshots and terrorising everyone present.
In the most disturbing turn of events, one of the assailants fired directly in my direction. Unfortunately, the bullets struck two police officers on duty, leaving both wounded. As efforts were made to evacuate the injured officers for urgent medical attention, the attackers reportedly blocked the exit route and delayed our departure through threats and hostile confrontation.
The two injured polic