Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
The Imo State Police Command has said that seven suspects in connection with the alleged attack on Governor Hope Uzodinma at Mmahu headquarters of Ohaji/Egbema council area have been arrested
The Command Spokesperson, SP Orlando Godson Ikeoku disclosed this to the media in Owerri on Sunday adding that investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack
Ikeoku dismissed the rumor of attack on the governor adding that it was rather the back windscreen of the official car of the governor that was destroyed by some youths outside when the Governor was inside the hall addressing the people of Egbema on the need for them to take solace on the demise of the three persons crushed by a truck owned by a multi-million naira oil company, The Stallion Global Oil Company operating in the area
The Governor had gone to Mmahu area of Ohaji/Egbema to sympathise with the community that lost three of their kinsmen on Friday following an accident that involved a truck belonging to an oil firm operating in the area.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: Emir Sanusi removed for disrespect to Gov. Ganduje – Kano govt.
Though the killing enraged the youths in Mmahu, causing their leaders to reach out to the governor to visit the community to call the oil firm to order.
The Governor straight from church, drove to the area in company of the Brigade Commander at Obinze, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of State Security Services and Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He used his visit to reassure the community of his willingness to secure their lives and property and to draw a programme for the families of the deceased.
Governor Uzodinma who was sober condoled with the families who lost their loved ones, as he addressed the leaders of the community at the Eze’s Palace.
While the Governor was addressing the families, some boys among the aggrieved youths were heard making noise outside, accusing the security operatives of supporting the Oil companies and demanding that Governor Uzodinma should address them too.
While the security operatives tried to calm them down and control the noise, one of them allegedly hid behind others and threw a stone at one of the official vehicles of the Governor where they were parked and in the process smashed the back glass.
The suspect was promptly arrested by the security present. While this drama was playing out, Governor Uzodinma was still inside the hall addressing the traditional ruler, community leaders and the bereaved families.
The Governor called for calm and peace while promising to deal with the situation that led to the killings, calling on the people to remain peaceful and not to take laws into their hands.
The governor expressed worries over the hazardous method used by the oil company in trucking crude instead of the conventional method of laying pipes and promised that he will tackle the issue head on.
