Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
An advance team of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State was on Tuesday morning attacked by unknown gunmen on their way to the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite Junction, shortly before the airport junction.
No casualties were recorded, although the statement did not clarify whether any arrests had been made.
The Government also debunked social media reports claiming that Governor Otti was targeted in the attack, stressing that he was not in the convoy when the incident happened.
The statement, released to journalists in Umuahia, read in part: “In the early hours of today, December 2, 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.
“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.”
