Gunmen suspected to be armed robbers yesterday attacked the convoy of Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, killing the driver to his Aide-De-Camp in the process.
The governor�s convoy, which was said to be travelling from Benin to Warri, was attacked at exactly 2.30 pm at Oghara along Panol Estate.
Oghara is the hometown of former Delta State governor James Ibori, a cousin of Uduaghan.
Uduaghan was said to be on his way to attend the testimonial match in honour of former Super Eagles skipper Austin Jay Jay Okocha at Warri Township Stadium.
The state Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, and some senior government officials were said to be in the company of the governor.
But a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Sunny Ogefere said it was Uduaghan�s advanced security team that encountered the armed robbers.
He said the governor was not affected by the incident.
The state Police Public Relations� Officer Charles Muka confirmed the development to THISDAY over the telephone after all efforts to speak with the state Commissioner of Police Jacob Oshomogho failed.
He said: �It is true that the governor�s convoy was attacked by gunmen but we are yet to ascertain whether the governor was in the car or not.
�We also have information that one person was killed during the attack, who is suspected to be the driver to the governor�s ADC.�
Muka, however, said no suspect had been arrested as investigations were still ongoing.
He said others who sustained injuries during the attack had been taken to hospital for treatment.
Ogefere said in his press statement: �At about 2.30 pm Thursday, the Delta Governor’s advanced security team encountered a gang of armed robbers operating along Pamol Estate, Oghara and engaged them in a shootout.
�In the ensuing shootout, a police driver was killed while two others sustained minor injuries. Those injured are being treated.
�His Excellency’s convoy was not affected by the incident and he has proceeded to the Warri Stadium for the scheduled Austin Jay Jay Okocha’s testimonial match.
�The governor regrets the incident and wishes to assure the general public that everything is being done to ensure their security; he also praised the gallantry of the security team that dislodged the armed robbers.�
However, Uduaghan emerged at the Warri Township Stadium at about 3.50 pm still beaming with smiles.
The governor had with him his deputy, top government officials and numerous national sports personages.
The Okocha�s special testimonial match eventually took off successfully at about 4.55 pm.
It rained cat and dog throughout the match.
Security situation in the state particularly the capital, Asaba, like other parts of the country has taken a turn for the worse.
The Delta State House of Assembly recently summoned the Acting Commissioner of Police, Oshomogho, to come and explain the rising incidence of crime in the state.
About a fortnight ago, a senior driver attached to a five-star hotel in Asaba, Mr. Samuel Onyemenam, was found dead weeks after he was declared missing by the police.
The decomposing body of the 53-year-old Onyemenam was later found in an uncompleted building on the outskirts of Asaba.
Jun272008