By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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Unknown gunmen ambushed the advance security team of Abia State Governor Alex Otti early Monday morning along the Owerri–Okigwe expressway in Imo State, spraying bullets at the convoy in an attack that lasted several minutes.
Governor Otti, who was travelling behind the advance team in a separate vehicle, escaped unhurt. No casualties were recorded among his entourage.
Eyewitnesses told DDNewsOnline that the attack occurred around 7:45 a.m. near Umundugba, Isu Local Government Area. The gunmen, numbering about eight, emerged from the bush, blocked the road with a Toyota Hilux and opened fire on the lead vehicles.
“The advance team returned fire immediately. It was a heavy exchange that lasted almost 10 minutes before the attackers fled into the forest,” a security source attached to the convoy said.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident: “Yes, there was an attack on the convoy of the Abia State Governor this morning along Okigwe road. Our men and other sister agencies repelled the attack. The governor is safe and has continued his journey.”
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Governor Otti was reportedly travelling to Owerri to attend the South-East Governors’ Forum meeting scheduled for today.
The attack is the latest in a string of high-profile ambushes in Imo State, coming barely two weeks after gunmen killed four police officers at a checkpoint in Orlu.
Abia Government House spokesman Kazie Uko said in a brief statement: “His Excellency Dr Alex Otti is safe and sound. The security operatives attached to him acted professionally and repelled the attackers. We thank God for His protection.”
No group has claimed responsibility. Police say investigation is ongoing
DDNewsOnline.