Gunmen are reported to have attacked the convoy of the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma Yesterday.
He was on his way to inaugurate an officers’ mess built by his administration at the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze when he was accosted around Concord area in New Owerri.
The gunmen bearing different grades of weapons claimed to be staff of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC).
According to them, their grievance was the non-payment of their salaries. The claims appear to vindicate political opponents who are often blamed for public protests.
Isaac Akinmoyede, the State Commissioner of police said that 15 of the protesters have been arrested and handed over to the state Criminal Investigation Department for investigations and possible prosecution.
Among the weapons recovered from them were 1 locally made pistol, a mask, 2 matchetes, a padlock and a chain.
The Commissioner of police however, confirmed that no life was lost. According to Akinmoyede, “they attacked the vehicles in the convoy with a locally made pistol and machetes.”
He also added that in the course of the protest, windscreens of the vehicles in the governor’s convoy were smashed and various other damages done to other state properties.
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