Chaka Chukwumerije, a close aide to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, narrowly escaped death on Sunday after unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle while he was returning from Okigwe to Umuahia.

The shocking incident was confirmed on Monday by his brother, renowned poet and author Dike Chukwumerije, who shared details in an emotional public statement. According to Dike, the assailants trailed Chaka’s car and sprayed it with bullets, but he and three others in the vehicle miraculously escaped unharmed.

“He was on his way from Okigwe to Umuahia when the car behind him opened fire. It was not his time to die. So, he and the three others with him escaped unscathed, even though the car was riddled with bullets,” Dike wrote.

Chaka Chukwumerije, who has served as a Commissioner in Governor Otti’s administration for two years, was commended by his brother for his integrity and long-standing dedication to honest governance. Dike highlighted Chaka’s unwavering support for Governor Otti since as far back as 2015, through multiple election cycles, even in moments of defeat.

“No, we didn’t send him off with a wish list. All we asked of him was – do not bring us shame. Don’t take what is not yours. And use every resource within your power to help our society become a better place for us all,” Dike stated.

He described his brother as someone who plays politics with dignity and restraint, choosing to suffer losses quietly rather than engage in divisive rhetoric.

Reflecting on Governor Otti’s impact on Abia, Dike acknowledged that the visible development in the state had deepened his appreciation for his brother’s political loyalty.

“In two years, Abia has turned around… I don’t praise politicians lightly… But he is doing the job, and doing it to a level that we have not seen in Abia in many, many years. And, today, I am proud to be Abian,” he wrote.

However, Dike also used the incident to raise concerns over the risks faced by dedicated public servants in Nigeria, lamenting a system that punishes merit while rewarding mediocrity.

“Unfortunately, it is people like this—who are totally, selflessly committed to public service—that are too often the victims of our current socio-political order… Those who are comfortable with doing things anyhow-anyhow are safe and ascending. While those who are not, are not,” he said.

Despite the harrowing experience, the family has expressed gratitude for Chaka’s survival, choosing resilience over fear in the face of what appears to be a politically motivated attack.

As of press time, security agencies have not issued an official statement on the attack, and no arrests have been made. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.