Gunmen have reportedly attacked the home country of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.
Report reaching The West African Pilot News confirm that the gunmen invaded the Governor’s residence in Omuma in Oru East Local Government Area in the early hours of Saturday.
The assailants killed two security men on duty before torching it.
It was also learned that vehicles parked at the compound and part of the building were affected by the fire.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, had confirmed the incident.
However, the Commissioner explained that the attack was repelled by a combined team of security operatives attached to the house.
“Gallant security operatives this morning repelled an attack on the Omuma country home of the governor of Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma,” he said via a statement.
“At about 9 am 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.
“However, vigilant security operatives attached to the Governor’s house successfully repelled the attack and consequently minimized 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.”
Emelumba noted that the security agencies have been asked to investigate the attack, apprehend the sponsors and their agents and bring them to justice.
According to Channels Television, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack but sources alleged that the assailants were suspected members of the Eastern Security Network of IPOB.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that one security detail in the compound was shot in the process.
The attack came barely 24 hours after Uzodinma accused politicians of funding banditry to ruin down the present administration.
Uzodinma who briefed journalists after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja, condemned the recent attacks by armed bandits on communities, especially in the northern part of the country, challenged the security agencies to immediately reveal the names of the bandits’ sponsor.
The Governor also condemned the call for secession, maintaining that criminals, particularly in Imo State were a combination of Individuals within and outside the state.
Imo state has been experiencing series of attacks in recent times.
