WorldStage– The Advance Team of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti on Tuesday morning came under the attack of suspected gunmen along the Umuowa–Ihite axis, a few kilometers from the airport junction.
Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otti disclosed the incident in an official statement shortly after the attack.
According to him, in the early hours of December 2, 2025, a three-member advance team from the Office of Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti came under attack by unidentified gunmen while traveling toward Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.
The assault occurred along the Umuowa–Ihite axis, a few kilometers from the airport junction.
According to other reports, the assailants opened fire on the team’s vehicle during routine duties ahead of Governor Otti’s scheduled official engagement. The attack was brief and appeared targeted, with the gunmen fleeing the scene immediately.
No casualties were reported. All three team members escaped unharmed. Governor Otti himself was not present in the area at the time, and his main convoy was unaffected. Authorities have urged the public to ignore misleading social media reports suggesting otherwise.
Giving clarification on the incident, Ukoha stated: “The general public is hereby informed that the convoy of Governor Otti was not involved in this attack, and no lives were lost during the unfortunate incident.”
Security agencies have been alerted, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The incident underscores persistent security challenges in southeastern Nigeria, where attacks by unknown gunmen often linked to separatist groups, criminal networks, or politically motivated actor have been reported.
While similar attacks have occurred in Imo State in the past, this particular incident appears isolated and non-fatal.
Authorities have called for calm and are strengthening security along key routes, assuring of further updates as investigations progress.
