Three officers attached to the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, narrowly escaped harm on Tuesday morning after being attacked by unidentified gunmen near the Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
The assault took place along the Umuowa–Ihite axis, just a short distance from the airport corridor, as the officials were heading to the facility for official duties. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers—believed to be gunmen fleeing the area—opened fire on the vehicle transporting the aides.
Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, confirmed the incident in an official statement, stressing that the targeted officers were part of an advance team, not the governor’s 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. “The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport Junction in Imo State.”
He also clarified that Governor Otti was never in danger and that the incident did not result in any loss of life.
“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 added.
As of the time of reporting, the Imo State Police Command had not issued an official response or provided details on possible suspects.