By Charles Nwoke
Suspected gunmen have attacked Chief Boniface Mgebu, a former Permanent Secretary in Ebonyi State and a member of the State Independent Electoral Commission. The incident occurred along Obubura-Enyida Road in Abakaliki Local Government Area around 7 p.m. while he was travelling to his village, Noyo Alike, in Ikwo LGA.
According to reports, the attackers set his Hilux Jeep, cash, mobile phones, and other valuables on fire. The incident left Mgebu injured and hospitalised at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Mgebu recounted the ordeal. He said the attack began shortly after he passed the Polycarp Market junction in Izzi. Two men stopped him at a makeshift roadblock. One forced his way into the driver’s seat and struggled for control of the vehicle while the second entered through the passenger side, holding a pistol.
“They placed me in the middle and attempted to drive off,” Mgebu explained. “I held the hand of the one with the gun while the other struggled with the steering. As they drove fast, likely sensing that people had noticed something was wrong, the vehicle veered into a ditch and suddenly exploded in flames.”
Mgebu said he could not tell whether the attackers deliberately ignited the fire or if it was caused by the car’s fuel. He described his survival as a miracle.
The victim confirmed that he had reported the incident to the police in Abakaliki and appealed to the state governor for assistance with his hospital bills and to help replace his vehicle and vital belongings lost in the fire.
Police authorities have yet to release an official statement on the attack.
