The Imo State Government has confirmed the attack on Governor Hope Uzodimma’s house in Omuma Oru East Council Area on Saturday by unknown gunmen but failed to give the number of casualties recorded in the attack.
The Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Saturday, said few casualties were recorded after security men on guard repelled the attack.
Emelumba said: “Gallant security operatives this morning repelled an attack on the Omuma country home of the governor of Imo State, Senator 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 cross fire that ensued, few casualties were recorded.
Emelumba said preliminary investigation suggested that the foiled attack may have been politically sponsored.
He said the governor has directed the relevant security agencies to expedite investigation into the incident and promptly apprehend the sponsors and their agents and bring them to justice.
He said: “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 buildings was set ablaze.
“However, one unarmed personnel of the NSCDC (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) 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.”