By Our Regional Editor.
The President-General of the Ekid Peoples Union (EPU), Dr. Sam Udonsak, and his wife narrowly escaped death on Sunday following a suspected assassination attempt along Ogoni Road in Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 4:30 p.m. as the couple travelled towards Port Harcourt. According to Udonsak, unknown assailants trailed their vehicle before opening fire.
Narrating the ordeal, the EPU President said they noticed they were being followed and that traffic on the usually busy route had suddenly thinned out.
“Today, Sunday 21.02.26 at about 4.30pm along the Ogoni road towards Port Harcourt, we became aware that we were followed, and the road had suddenly become empty of traffic,” he stated.
Udonsak explained that he immediately instructed his wife, who was behind the wheel, to accelerate towards the next police checkpoint, having just passed one moments earlier.
“Not long after that, we came under a hail of gunfire behind, and knife-wielding youths in front,” he said.
He disclosed that they sped toward a visible police checkpoint ahead despite the gunshots. According to him, the officers at the checkpoint may have returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat.
“The gallant officers may have returned fire we don’t know but the car at our back retreated, the gunfire was no longer heard, and we felt safe at the checkpoint,” he added.
Udonsak confirmed that the incident was immediately reported to the police. His vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, sustained shattered rear windscreen and visible bullet holes.
“It’s been reported to the police and my little Corolla has shattered back glasses and bullet holes to show,” he said.
Sources say the attack has sparked widespread concern, especially among members of the Ekid community. Udonsak is believed to have recently drawn the ire of certain influential interests due to his vocal defence of his people’s cultural heritage, particularly the Akoiyak Ekid.
The EPU President, who operates a medical facility in Onne, Rivers State, assured the public that he and his wife are safe.
Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of press time.
