Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, has reacted to the burning of his country home, saying the attack may have been politically sponsored.

It was earlier reported that unknown gunmen in the early hours of Saturday attack governor Uzodimma’s country home in Omuma, Orlu East Local Government of the state.

One Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel was said to have been killed during the attack which was repelled by local vigilantes guarding the area.

The fleeing gunmen shot at and killed one police sergeant and one NSCDC personnel at Mgbidi junction.

But reacting to the attack, Uzodinma said preliminary investigation into the incident indicated that the attack may have been politically-motivated.

According to the governor, the attackers were hoodlums who invaded the property in a motorcade of three vehicles and accompanied by a lorry with tyres used in setting the building ablaze, but vigilantes on guard repelled the arsonists.

Uzodinma who spoke through the state’s Commissioner for information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba also urged security agencies to ensure that those behind the incident are captured.

A statement by the Commissioner reads partly: “Gallant security operatives this morning repelled an attack on the Omuma country home of the governor of Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma.

“However, vigilant security operatives attached to the Governor’s house successfully repelled the attack and consequently minimised the damage they had planned to unleash.

“In the crossfire that ensued a few casualties were recorded. Preliminary investigation suggests that the foiled attack may have been politically sponsored.

“The government has directed the relevant security agencies to expedite investigation on the incident and promptly apprehend the sponsors and their agents and bring them to justice.”