Gunmen on Tuesday reportedly opened fire on an advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, at the Umuowa–Ihite axis of Imo State.

MyNigeria reported that the three-member team was travelling to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack happened just before reaching the airport junction.

Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and the team was able to escape without harm.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia State Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved and was not near the scene during the attack.

The statement read, "The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

"The Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost.

“Dr Alex urged the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.”

He added that security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.