The Imo State Government has denied reports of an attack by unknown gunmen on the state Secretariat in Owerri. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Oguwike Nwachukwu, it was clarified that no such incident involving unknown gunmen occurred.
Earlier, social media had circulated reports suggesting that suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had invaded the secretariat, firing shots and causing panic among workers.
The government’s statement refuted these claims and emphasized that there was no evidence to support the alleged attack.
The statement from the Imo State Government clarified that the presence of the police at the secretariat was due to an ongoing investigation involving a suspect in a criminal case. The police had trailed the individual to the secretariat in an attempt to effect an arrest, and in the process, they fired warning shots.
The government emphasized that the incident had nothing to do with unknown gunmen, urging the public to disregard any information suggesting otherwise.
The Imo State Government also reassured residents of its commitment to protect their lives and property within the bounds of the constitution. The government expressed its determination to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of both homes and offices.
However, the response from the State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, could not be obtained as he did not respond to phone calls or a text message seeking his reaction.