How I escaped assassination in Abuja – Abia governor Otti

Abia state governor, Alex Otti, has recounted how he narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt in Abuja while pursuing his ambition to become governor of the state.

Otti said about 12 gunmen arrived at a location in Maitama, Abuja, in July 2015, allegedly searching for him, but failed to find him because he had left the building shortly before their arrival.

The governor narrated the incident on Thursday in Umuahia during a solemn assembly and covenant renewal service organised by the Abia State Government to rededicate the state to God.

Otti said the gunmen believed he was still inside the building when they arrived and opened fire, shooting two people before searching the premises and adjoining property.

Narrow escape in Abuja

According to Otti, the incident could have claimed his life, but he escaped because he had already left the location before the gunmen arrived.

He said the attackers searched the building after arriving and, when they could not find him, moved into the adjoining compound, where they allegedly stripped the whole place in their search.

“They shot two persons. They were looking for me, but God had taken me away.

“They finished; they couldn’t find me. They were about 12.

“They jumped into the next compound and stripped the whole place. They thought I was there, but I had left,” Otti recalled.

The governor thanked God for preserving his life from what he described as an attempt by the gunmen to kill him.

The incident occurred in July 2015, when Otti was pursuing his political ambition. He said the attackers had apparently believed that he was still at the location when they arrived.

Rededicating Abia to God

Otti said the solemn assembly was organised to rededicate Abia State to God and ensure that the state remained in the hands of God rather than fetish idols and evil societies.

He said the gathering was part of efforts to reaffirm the state’s spiritual commitment and seek divine protection and guidance for Abia and its people.

The event was held in Umuahia on Thursday and brought together government officials and other participants for prayers and covenant renewal.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Solemn Assembly and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, said Abia had been in what he described as captivity for many years.

Nwachukwu claimed that God had raised Otti to rescue the state, saying this was among the reasons the government considered it necessary to organise the solemn assembly and rededication.

The commissioner made the claim while speaking at the event, where prayers and declarations were made for the state.

The gathering concluded with a renewed call for the people of Abia to remain committed to the spiritual rededication of the state.