Gunmen attack State Govenor's convoy

A group of unidentified gunmen attacked the convoy of Abia State Governor Dr. Theodore Orji on 23 July 2008. The convoy was en route to Port Harcourt International Airport (DNPO/PHC) to pick up the governor when it was attacked at approximately 0730 local time at Ngwa Itiekwe in the Ugwunagbo local government area along the Port-Harcourt-Enugu expressway. The attackers apparently hid in the bushes along the expressway and ambushed the convoy as it drove by. The convoy's security forces engaged the attackers in a gun battle that lasted for more than 20 minutes, killing one passerby, before the assailants hijacked two of the convoy vehicles and escaped unharmed. Although authorities believe that the attack was an armed robbery Orji insists that the attack was an attempt to assassinate him due to controversy over his election to the post.