Three staff members of Abia State Governor Alex Otti narrowly escaped harm when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle on Tuesday morning along the road leading to Sam Mbakwe Airport in Imo State.
The attack took place between Umuowa and Ihite junction, a few kilometres from the airport, as the officials travelled for official duties.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, confirmed the incident in a statement, stressing that the affected personnel were part of an advance team and not the governor’s main convoy.
“In the early hours of today, December 2nd, an advance team of three members from the Office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, on duty to Sam Mbakwe Airport, Imo State, was attacked by unidentified gunmen,” Ukoha said.
He added: “The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport Junction in Imo State.”
No casualties were recorded, and Governor Otti was not involved in the incident.
“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,” the statement clarified.
Sources described the assailants as suspected fleeing gunmen who fired sporadically at the vehicle before speeding off.
