Commissioner for Lands and Housing in Abia State, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, narrowly escaped death over the weekend after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle along the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The frightening attack took place near the Okigwe axis of the expressway while the Commissioner was travelling to Umuahia, the state capital. Eyewitnesses said a suspicious vehicle had been trailing his convoy before the attackers suddenly opened fire.
Miraculously, the Commissioner and the three other occupants of the vehicle came out unhurt. However, the vehicle was riddled with bullets, with several holes clearly visible on it after the incident.
Family sources described the incident as a targeted attempt on the Commissioner’s life, citing his strong commitment to service and his alignment with the reform agenda of Governor Alex Otti.
His brother, Dike Chukwumerije, a well-known writer and public speaker, spoke out about the incident on social media, calling it a “deliberate and shocking” attempt to silence a man dedicated to positive change.
“Chaka has buried himself in his work. He’s been selfless, focused, and fully aligned with the reform-driven government of Alex Otti,” Dike wrote. “Unfortunately, it is often people like him—committed to doing the right thing—who face the greatest threats in our system.”
The family has thanked God for sparing Chaka’s life and reaffirmed their determination to continue supporting the present administration in Abia, despite the risks.
There is concern that the attack might be connected to political or personal interests threatened by ongoing reforms in the state. The Otti-led administration has been pushing for transparency, land reforms, and stricter oversight of government property and assets—an agenda that has not gone down well with some entrenched interests.
A police source confirmed that the attack did not occur within Abia State jurisdiction. “The area where the incident happened is outside the Abia Command,” the source stated. However, there is no official statement yet from the Abia State Police Command or any other security agency regarding investigations or arrests.
The attack has triggered concern among residents and political observers who see it as a warning sign of the dangers facing government officials pursuing reform in Nigeria’s Southeast region, where violent attacks and insecurity have become increasingly common in recent years.
As of the time of filing this report, the Commissioner has not made a public statement, but sources close to him say he remains focused on his duties and will not be deterred by the attack.