By Tony Adibe
One of the contestants for the traditional rulership throne of Akama-Oghe Autonomous Community in Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State, Chief Christian Akpata, has called for an investigation into the failed assassination attempts on his life.
NewsBits learnt that the assassination attempts, which happened twice, caused the destruction of one his cars which was riddled with bullets, during when he was said to have sustained gunshot injuries.
It was gathered that on May 9, 2023, some men in tricycle and Camry car had trailed him from his house to Enugu Timber Market, in Enugu South Local Government Area within the Enugu metropolis where they shot severally at his car and left him with bullet wounds.
The assailants were reported to have returned again on June 8, in his house, and attempted to abduct him.
Addressing the press in Enugu weekend, Chief Akpata, said the suspected assassins had come into his street in his estate and pretended to be his visitors to some neighbours. He, however, recalled that when they started following him with their Camry car, he became suspicious.
He said: “My life is under threat. I have escaped two assassination attempts in less than one month. They attacked me on May 9 and returned again here in my house on June 8.
“They were with Keke and Camry. I went to the Timber Market to buy materials for my son, who is building his house in Enugu here. He and another person was with us in my Lexus Rx 330 car. As I drove out, I noticed that a Camry car with tinted windows was parked in the street here with its headlamps fully on. I thought it belonged to my neighbours’ visitors.
“But immediately I drove out the car followed me behind. When the movement became constant, I manoeuvred and followed another route. But after buying what we came to buy, I tried to drive out but noticed that a tricycle had blocked my path.
“It was then that one of the occupants of the tricycle emerged and started shooting directly at me. I did everything to dodge the nuzzle from getting to my head and he managed to shatter my shoulder.
“As God would have it, I managed to push the tricycle out and sped away. But that particular Camry attempted to block me in front with one of the occupants bringing out AK 47 rifle to shoot me. But the speed with which I hit the door of their car helped me to escape.
“I drove straight to the hospital where surgeries were done to remove the bullets. I thank God for saving my life. But, almost one month after, they returned to my street again. This time around with Keke and as I came out from the gate one of them pointed at me and said, ‘that’s him’.
“I’m not afraid of death but all I know is what is right must be done. If God hasn’t approved my death, nobody can kill me. This is not the first time. Sometimes, when I go to occasion, I notice some people trailing me.
“So, I’m saying all these to tell security agencies in Enugu State that my life is in danger. I haven’t offended anyone in any way. The only thing I know I have done is that I am in court with some people over the Igweship seat of my town Akama-Oghe, which some interests don’t want me to occupy after I was elected.”
He commended the state commissioner of police, Ahmed Ammani for coming to his aid in the course of the whole attempt.
