TheCable

Suspected arsonists have burnt down the residence of Jerry Alagbaoso, a former lawmaker, who represented Orsu/Orlu/Oru-east federal constituency of Imo state in the house of representatives.

A community source told TheCable that the incident occurred on Tuesday night.

The attackers reportedly scaled the fence and tied the security men guarding the residence of the politician.

“It happened on Tuesday night. They thought Asiwaju was home because he has been frequenting the village to campaign for the forthcoming Imo governorship election,” the source said.

“But after searching for him in vain, they set his house ablaze. The community, as I speak, is terrified and may have fled in fear.”

Onamma Olemgbe, director-general of the Alagbaoso campaign organisation, confirmed the incident.

He said the community and others have been under constant attacks by suspected gunmen in recent times.

On Saturday, the residence of Ezekiel Nwokedi, the traditional ruler of the Okwuru Orsuihiteukwo community in Orsu LGA of the state, was razed.

The hoodlums reportedly carted away valuables worth millions of naira from the residence before setting the building on fire.

Henry Okoye, Imo police spokesperson, condemned the attacks, saying the command has ordered a manhunt for the arsonists.

“The commissioner of police condemned this dastardly act in totality and has ordered an intensive manhunt for the arsonists. More so, optimal security operatives of the joint task force have been deployed in Orsu to prevent similar occurrences,” he said.

“We will apprehend the hoodlums that are involved and they will be made to face the full wrath of the law. That we can assure you.”