Gunmen Ambush Otti’s Advance Team Near Owerri Airport

Unidentified gunmen ambushed an advance team from Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s office early Tuesday near Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State capital, but the governor himself remained safe and uninvolved. ​ The attack targeted three officials en route to the airport for official duties, occurring between Umuowa and Ihite junction just before the airport corridor. ​ No lives were lost, and authorities have launched investigations to identify the assailants while enhancing security for public servants. ​

Governor Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, issued a statement clarifying that social media rumours of a direct convoy assault were inaccurate, emphasizing the incident involved only the preliminary team. The assailants, possibly fleeing criminals, opened fire on the officials’ vehicle in a brief encounter that caused no fatalities. ​ Abia State Government condemned the violence and reassured residents of ongoing efforts to safeguard officials on legitimate assignments. 

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