An advance team belonging to Abia State Governor Alex Chioma Otti came under gunfire early Tuesday at the Umuowa–Ihite axis of Imo State, prompting heightened security concerns across the region.
The three-member team was travelling to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport when gunmen opened fire shortly before the airport junction. Despite the sudden attack, all team members escaped unharmed.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia State Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved and was nowhere near the area at the time of the incident.
“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement read, urging the public to dismiss circulating rumours suggesting otherwise.
The government confirmed that security agencies have been notified and that an investigation is underway to track down those responsible for the attack.
The incident adds to rising security concerns in the South-East, where targeted assaults on political figures and state personnel have become increasingly frequent in recent years. Authorities say further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.