An advance team attached to the Office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, came under attack early Monday morning, December 2, 2025, while on official duty to Sam Mbakwe Airport in Imo State.
The three-man team was reportedly traveling ahead of the governor’s planned movement when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle along the Umuowa–Ihite corridor, a short distance before the Sam Mbakwe Airport Junction.
In a statement released on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, clarified that Governor Otti’s convoy was not part of the affected movement. He further reassured the public that no lives were lost, describing the incident as “unfortunate.”
The statement added that security agencies have been duly informed and that investigations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and uncover the motive behind the attack.
The assault comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the South-East, where state governments continue to collaborate with federal security agencies to combat violent crimes and ensure safer travel routes.
