An advance team from the Abia State Government came under fire early Monday when unidentified gunmen attacked a three-man crew en route to the Sam Mbakwe Airport in Imo State. The assault occurred at dawn along the Umuowa–Ihite corridor, a short distance from the airport junction.
The statement announcing the incident was issued and signed by Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti.
The personnel, who were on official duty for Abia State Governor Alex Otti, were reportedly intercepted before reaching the airport axis, sparking brief panic in the area. Despite the intensity of the attack, all members of the team survived.
State officials moved quickly to dispel growing speculation that the governor’s convoy had been targeted. Authorities confirmed that Governor Otti was nowhere near the scene at the time of the incident.
According to the Abia Government, the attack was isolated and did not involve any top-level movement by the governor or his principal entourage. Security agencies have been alerted and are expected to launch investigations into the identities and motives of the assailants.
No casualties were recorded, though the incident adds to rising concerns about safety along critical transit routes in the South-East. Officials have urged the public to remain calm while security operatives carry out their work.
