Imo govt says attack on Uzodinma’s house politically-motivated

Imo State Government has hinted that the attack on the country home of the state governor Hope Uzodimma may have been politically sponsored.

The governor’s house in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area of the state was attacked on Saturday morning, with some casualties.

Commissioner for information and strategy Declan Emelumba, in a statement, confirmed that some security men died during the attack, but did not disclose the number of casualties.

“At about 9am today, Saturday, April 24th, a group of hoodlums numbering about 15 driving in a motorcade of three vehicles accompanied by a tipper loaded with used tyres, stormed the country home of the governor in Omuma, Oru East LGA and attempted to burn down the house,” Mr Emelumba said in the statement.

“However, vigilant security operatives attached to the Governor’s house successfully repelled the attack and consequently minimised the damage they had planned to unleash.

“In the crossfire that ensued a few casualties were recorded. Preliminary investigation suggests that the foiled attack may have been politically sponsored.”

He added that the state government had charged the security agencies to swiftly arrest the suspected sponsors of the attack and the gunmen who carried out the attack.

Imo residents have witnessed several attacks in recent times. Many say the attacks are linked to the governor’s tough stance against Biafra agitators.

The attacks forced the south-east region, which Imo is a part of, to establish a regional security outfit called Ebubeagu.