Assasin attacks Chief Vincent Obianodo

Some suspected hired killers attacked the Managing Director, Young Shall Grow Motors Limited, Chief Vincent Obianodo, killing his driver and police escort.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Obianodo was shot in the arm during the attack.

A police source said the incident occurred in the FESTAC area of Lagos State on Tuesday night while Obianodo was returning from work.

Our correspondent learnt that two of the attackers were killed after policemen engaged them in a gun duel.

The source said, “On Tuesday night, Obianodo was on his way back from work. A police corporal, Ngozi Chijioke, and another private guard were in the vehicle with him.

“When they reached 22 Road, FESTAC, the entire place was deserted. From nowhere a vehicle crossed Obianodo’s  and some armed men opened fire on them. The policeman, who sat in front, was killed instantly while the driver was also killed.

“The assailants also shot Obianodo in the arm. However, the shooting attracted the attention of some policemen on patrol who rushed down to the scene and engaged the culprits in a gun duel.”

It was learnt that two of the attackers were killed while others escaped with bullet wounds.

The source told our correspondent that the assailants were probably hired killers.

He said, “The way the attackers operated seemed as if it was an assassination attempt. Most times, kidnappers do not shoot their victims while trying to abduct them. At most, they only kill the person’s guard and abduct the victim unharmed.

“In this case, they shot him in the arm and would have killed him if the police had not arrived on time.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the attack to our correspondent on the telephone, adding that efforts were on to apprehend the suspects.

“The attackers escaped with bullet wounds. We are therefore calling on hospitals to report cases of bullet injury to the nearest police station as this would increase our chances of arresting the culprits,” she said.

Braide said she could not say for sure if the attack was a kidnap, robbery or assassination attempt