Police Command Refute Claims On Imo State Assembly Being Set Ablaze

The Imo Police Command have refuted reports that the Imo House of Assembly was being set ablaze by unknown gunmen.

Online videos had surfaced over the Internet showing how a complex was being razed by fire. However, in a statement, the command’s Spokesperson, SP Orlando Ikeokwu described the online video; showing the assembly complex under fire, as false.

According to him, the building, which was on fire in social media; was neither the state house of assembly nor any building in Imo.

In another development, he confirmed a robbery attack on motorists in the Orji area of Owerri, which left four persons with bullet injuries.

He said the victims of the attack had been taken to the Federal Medical Center, Owerri for treatment. 1st News reports that the incident took place near the Orji Divisional Police Headquarters on Owerri-Okigwe Road around 10.30 pm.

It was learnt that the hoodlums, who were trailing an unmarked security vehicle; double-crossed it at Orji and opened fire on the driver.

Eyewitness account said the gunmen also robbed other motorists and commuters in commercial vehicles at the same spot.

The account further said the robbers shot sporadically after the operation to scare away people; before making their escape.

“It was during the sporadic shooting that three more persons around the area were hit by bullet,” the eyewitness said on the condition of anonymity.

The incident caused tension and panic in the area; forcing residents and passersby to run helter-skelter for their lives.

The robbery, which came barely one day after the attack on Imo Gov. Hope Uzodinma’s country home in Omuma, had further heightened the fear of insecurity in the state.