Abia State Lands Commissioner, Chaka Chukwumerije, Survives Assassination Attempt on Okigwe–Umuahia Road
Abia State’s Honorable Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, has survived what appears to be an assassination attempt, after his vehicle came under heavy gunfire two nights ago along the dangerous Okigwe–Umuahia road. The brazen attack, carried out by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, has shocked the state and raised serious concerns over the safety of public officials championing reform and development.
According to reports, the Commissioner was en route to Umuahia, the state capital, when a suspicious vehicle trailing his convoy suddenly opened fire. The hail of bullets struck the Commissioner’s vehicle multiple times, leaving it riddled with holes. However, Chukwumerije and three others in the car miraculously escaped unhurt.
In a statement shared by his brother and renowned writer Dike Chukwumerije, the attack was described as a deliberate attempt to assassinate the Commissioner. Dike noted that Chaka’s strong commitment to reform, his loyalty to Governor Alex Otti, and his unshakable focus on public service have likely made him a target.
“Chaka has buried himself in his work. He’s been selfless, focused, and fully aligned with the reform-driven government of Alex Otti,” Dike stated. “Unfortunately, it is often people like him—committed to doing the right thing—who face the greatest threats in our system.”
The Chukwumerije family has expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing the Commissioner’s life and reaffirmed their commitment to public service and rebuilding Abia State.
So far, neither the Abia State Government nor the Nigerian Police Force has issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, citizens and political observers have called for a swift and transparent investigation into the attempted assassination, fearing a rise in politically motivated violence in the state.
This attack comes at a time when the Governor Alex Otti-led administration is pushing aggressive land reforms, infrastructural development, and cleanup of corrupt practices within state agencies. Some insiders believe that these bold moves may be unsettling entrenched interests.
Security analysts have pointed out that the Okigwe–Umuahia road, a known hotspot for kidnappings and armed robberies, needs increased surveillance and military presence, especially considering its strategic importance.
Meanwhile, residents and political supporters across Abia State have flooded social media with messages of support for Commissioner Chukwumerije, describing him as a symbol of courage and accountability.
The incident is likely to put more pressure on state and federal security agencies to enhance protection for public officials and to root out criminal networks operating within and around the state.
