Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has instructed security agencies in the state to track down and bring to justice the gunmen responsible for killing two Chinese miners and a police officer in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area. The victims were ambushed on Friday while traveling to a mining site in the Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti condemned the attack. “Governor Otti is deeply outraged by the unprovoked assault on innocent lives, and he assures the public that his government will provide full support to security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement read.
Otti emphasized that his administration is committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses and economic activities while ensuring the protection of lives and property through robust security measures.
He also pledged to strengthen security collaboration with neighboring states to build a more effective security framework, preventing criminals from crossing state borders to commit crimes in Abia, as was the case with this attack.
The governor expressed his condolences to the Nigerian Police Force, the Chinese Embassy, and the families of the victims, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed that the ambush occurred around 5:30pm on Friday. According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, two Chinese nationals—Mr. Quan and Mr. Cai—and police escort Inspector Audu Saidu were killed in the attack, during which the assailants also stole the officer’s rifle.
However, four other Chinese workers and two police officers were rescued in a joint operation by the police, military, and other security agencies, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Uturu.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, has ordered a manhunt for the suspects.
