The Abia State Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije, narrowly escaped death on Saturday night, June 7, 2025, when unknown gunmen attacked his vehicle along the Enugu-Umuahia Expressway near Ezinnachi in Imo State.
The shocking incident happened while the commissioner was returning to Umuahia, the Abia State capital, from his hometown, Umunneochi. Chukwumerije, who was seated in the vehicle when bullets rained down on it, said the gunmen opened fire suddenly, aiming directly at the side where he was sitting. Fortunately, he and the three others traveling with him were unharmed. The police have confirmed the incident and an investigation is underway.
Recounting the horrifying experience, Chaka Chukwumerije thanked God for saving his life. In a video statement shared online, he said they had just passed Okigwe Junction and were nearing Ezinnachi when a suspicious car approached them, appearing to drive against traffic. “We applied the brake to know what was happening,” he said. “The next thing, from the side, exactly where I was sitting, they opened fire on us. They rained bullets on our car.” Despite the direct attack, no one in the car was injured, though the vehicle was riddled with bullet holes. “To God be the glory,” he added emotionally, “we survived it.”
The commissioner, who is the son of the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, arrived safely in Umuahia following the incident. His brother, Dike Chukwumerije, also confirmed the attack, describing it as “an attempt on his life.”
The Abia State Police Command has since sent a situation report to the Imo State Police Command, as the attack occurred within Imo State territory. Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed that appropriate action is being taken to investigate and track down those responsible.
This attack comes amid growing security concerns in Abia and surrounding southeastern states. In recent months, there have been multiple reports of armed attacks, including one on a police facility in Owerrinta, where a female detainee was killed, and another incident where two soldiers were gunned down at a checkpoint in Ekenobizi.
These events have raised alarm among residents and state officials alike, with many calling for increased protection and proactive measures from security agencies. Meanwhile, Chaka Chukwumerije has continued his official duties, expressing deep gratitude for surviving what he described as a terrifying attempt on his life.
