Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has ordered a full-scale manhunt for the assailants responsible for the brutal killing of two Chinese miners and a police officer in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were ambushed on Friday evening while on their way to a mining site in Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.”
“Governor Otti is outraged by this senseless act of violence against innocent individuals. He has pledged full support to security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and brought to justice,” the statement said.
Otti emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for businesses to thrive, noting that significant resources have been invested in strengthening the state’s security infrastructure.
The governor also disclosed plans to boost inter-state collaboration with neighboring states to prevent cross-border crimes.
“We are working to strengthen regional security cooperation to prevent criminals from infiltrating Abia to perpetrate crimes, as appears to be the case in this incident,” he added.
Governor Otti extended his condolences to the Nigerian Police Force, the Chinese Embassy, and the families of the victims, offering prayers for the repose of their souls.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed the deadly ambush occurred at approximately 5:30 PM on Friday. According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the victims included Chinese nationals Mr. Quan and Mr. Cai, and their police escort, Inspector Audu Saidu. The attackers reportedly made away with the officer’s rifle.
However, a swift joint operation led by the Divisional Police Officer of Uturu, involving the police, military, and other security operatives, successfully rescued four other Chinese workers and two police officers.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, has launched an intensive manhunt for the gunmen, vowing to bring them to justice without delay.
