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Iheanyi Chukwudi
One of the contestants for the traditional ruler stool of Akama-Oghe community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Christian Akpata, has narrowly escaped assassination.
Akpata who called on security agencies in the state to investigate the attempts on his life, said the assassination attempts, happened twice and he narrowly escaped death but not without gunshot injuries and destruction of one his cars, a Lexus Jeep which was riddled with bullets.
Chief Akpata told newsmen at the weekend that his life and that of members off his family were under serious threat and thanked God for saving them from the bullets of the hired killers.
According to him the first attack happened on May 9, when some men operating in a tricycle and Camry car trailed him from his house to Enugu Timber Market, where they attacked him.
Narrating his ordeal 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 back 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 manouvered 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 praised the Commissioner of Police, Enugu state, Ahmed Ammani for coming to his assistance in the course of the incidence.
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