By CHARLES IWUOHA

An advance security team attached to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, was in the early hours of Tuesday, attacked by unidentified gunmen near Sam Mbakwe Airport, Imo State.

The incident reportedly occurred between Umuowa and lhite junction, Ngor Okpala LGA, close to the airport entrance, while the three-man team was on official assignment.

In a public statement issued shortly after the attack, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Citizen Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, confirmed that although the official vehicle was ambushed, the convoy of Governor Otti himself was not involved.

He further clarified that no lives were lost in the attack.

“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 read.

The government assured citizens that further updates would be provided after relevant security agencies conclude preliminary investigations.

The incident adds to growing concerns about rising insecurity along interstate travel routes in the South-East, especially around the Imo Airport axis.

Authorities are expected to intensify surveillance in the affected corridor to prevent future attacks.