An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, narrowly escaped an attack by unidentified gunmen along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when their vehicle came under fire shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement signed by Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved and was far from the location at the time of the incident.

“No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.

Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the assailants.