By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

An aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr Ifeanyi Ibezi, on Sunday, narrowly escaped death but two of his security aides sustained gunshot wounds during a townhall meeting in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ibezi, a former member of the green carpet chamber is seeking to return to the National Assembly to represent Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.

Speaking to journalists, the former Assembly member said that the incident occurred at a community civic centre where he had scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting as part of his consultations ahead of the next general elections.

“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.

“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.

“The two injured police officers have since been taken to hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. One of them is to undergo a surgery,” he stated.

“I told my men to remain calm, not to respond or engage them. I am a law-abiding citizen and will not take the law into my hands.”

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, has confirmed the incident but said details were still sketchy.