Armed men attack Gov Otti’s advance team
By Chude Okafor and Samuel Ogunsona
The advance team of the Governor of Abia State Alex Otti, Ukoha Njoku, has been attacked by unidentified armed men.
Irohinoodua was informed that the armed men attacked the advance team of the Governor who was scheduled to attend an event in the state.
It is customary that the advance team would leave ahead of Very Important Persons, (VIPS) in Nigeria. The role of the team is to carry out surveillance ahead of the visit of the principal, in this case, the State Governor Otti.
The incidence took place on Tuesday while the Governor was on his way to the Sam Mbakwe airport, in Owerri.
The Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Ukoha confirmed the attack. In a statement made available to Irohinoodua he saidthat the Governor was not attacked but that an advanced team of three members from the office of the governor from the Government House, Umuahia, were attacked by unidentified armed men.
He said the members of the advance team who were on duty at the Sam Mbakwe airport, Owerri, were attacked by yet to be identified gunmen between Umuowa and Ihitte junction, on their way to the airport.
He stated that the governor’s convoy was not directly linked to the incidence.
He said in the statement “In the early hours of today, December 2nd, an advance team of three members from the Office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, on duty at Sam Mbakwe Airport, Imo State, was attacked by unidentified gunmen.
“The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport Junction in Imo State.
“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.”
Few days ago, the convoy of the former Governor of Anambra State, Chris Nwabueze Ngige was also attacked by armed men.
