The Imo State government on Saturday said that the attack on Governor Hope Uzodimma’s house in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area (LGA) by unknown gunmen was “politically sponsored,” saying that security agents would “promptly apprehend,” the perpetrators, their sponsors and agents and be brought to justice.
Imo State Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, said “gallant security operatives this morning repelled an attack on the Omuma country home of the Governor of Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma.
“At about 9am today, Saturday, April 24, a group of hoodlums numbering about 15 and driving in a motorcade of three vehicles, accompanied by a tipper loaded with used tyres, stormed the country home of the Governor and attempted to burn down the house.
“However, vigilant security operatives attached to the Governor’s house successfully repelled the attack and consequently minimised damage.”.
The Commissioner further disclosed that in the ensued cross fire, few casualties were recorded and that preliminary investigation suggests that the foiled attack may have been politically sponsored.
According to Emelumba, “yes, i can confirm the story, the hoodlums attacked the governor’s house by throwing in Petrol bomb as a result of which two cars were burnt, but the attackers were successfully repelled.
“None of the building was set ablaze, however, one unarmed personnel of the NSCDC was killed in the process.
“The hoodlums, while escaping, also killed a Police Sergeant and another NSCDC personnel, both in their private vehicles at Mgbidi junction.”
Sources said that the gunmen came through the Oguta axis of the State at midnight and killed two yet to be identified security men at at Oguta junction before proceeding to the Governor’s house at Omuma.
The source disclosed that the gunmen ripped off the Governor’s gate with the aide of a rocket launcher before setting the house on fire.
In addition, the source added that six policemen on guard at the Governor’s residence was said to have been killed by the gunmen after their attack.
But the Commissioner was silent on the casualties recorded in the attack.