Gunmen Ambush Governor Otti's Advance Team Near Imo Airport

Tension gripped the Abia-Imo corridor on Tuesday following the attack on an advance protocol team attached to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 2, 2025, as the three-man team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Airport in Imo State for an official assignment.

According to a public statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the ambush took place between Umuowa and Ihite junction, just before the Sam Mbakwe Airport intersection - a route frequently used by government officials, business travelers, and commuters moving between the two states.

The statement further clarified growing public speculation by noting that Governor Alex Otti himself was not part of the convoy, and therefore remained completely unaffected by the attack..

As the news spread, residents expressed concern about the increasing boldness of armed groups operating near strategic transport corridors, urging both state governments and federal security agencies to scale up surveillance, checkpoints, and rapid response mechanisms.

The Abia State Government assured the public that investigations are already underway and that all necessary measures will be taken to identify the attackers and prevent future incidents along the route.