THE Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has ordered security operatives to track down and apprehend those responsible for the killing of two Chinese miners and a police officer in Uturu, located in Isuikwuato Local Government Area.
The victims were ambushed on Friday while heading to a mining site in the Agukwu-Amaya area of the Ndundu Community.
In a statement released yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti strongly condemned the attack.
“Governor Otti is outraged by this unprovoked and heinous act against innocent individuals and has pledged full support to security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.
He emphasized that, in addition to fostering a conducive environment for businesses and economic growth, his administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property by equipping security agencies with necessary resources.
The governor also vowed to strengthen collaboration with neighboring states to establish a robust security network that would prevent criminal elements from infiltrating Abia State, as was the case in this incident.
Governor Otti extended his condolences to the Nigerian Police Force, the Chinese Embassy, and the families of the deceased, offering prayers for the repose of their souls.
Confirming the attack, the Abia State Police Command stated that the ambush occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the victims — Chinese nationals Quan and Cai, along with Inspector Audu Saidu — were killed, and the assailants made away with the officer’s rifle.
However, a joint rescue operation involving the police, military, and other security agencies, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Uturu, successfully rescued four other Chinese nationals and two police officers.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, has since ordered a full-scale manhunt to apprehend the culprits.
