Gunmen burn down Uzodimma’s commissioner’s home in Imo

Hope Uzodimma

Just over a month after an attack at the country home of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, gunmen have razed that of his commissioner for information and strategy, Declan Emelumba.

The attack at Mr Emelumba’s community in Ubulu-Ihejiofor in Oru West Local Government Area of the state took place in the early hours of Sunday.

Back in April, gunmen burnt Uzodimma’s residence in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area of the state with two security aides shot dead.

No human casualty was recorded in Emelumba’s case. However, the two houses in the compound were razed.

A source said the gunmen shot indiscriminately when they arrived before setting the house on fire.

“it was a terrific night. Nobody slept last night. People are just coming out from the bushes. The shooting was so much and people had to take cover in the bushes,” the source told PUNCH.

Emelumba told the newspaper that his gateman escaped death.

“Yes, it is true. My house in the village has been burnt down. It was completely razed. We don’t stay in the village. My gateman managed to escape,” he said, refusing to point fingers.

Imo has witnessed increased violence and killings since the governor took a tough stance against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).