- Victim Narrates Ordeal
By Abiola Olawale
Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo State on Sunday said the gunshot wound sustained by his son-in-law, Uzor Anwuka following the attack on his men by thugs has worsened and would now be flown abroad for treatment after three unsuccessful surgeries.
Okorocha, an incumbent Senator alongside his family members and aides, were allegedly attacked by thugs during an attempt to reopen the Royal Spring Palm Hotel, in Owerri which was sealed by the state government.
The former governor was also arrested after he attempted to reopen the estate. However, he was released the same day.
Anwuka, who is also an American-trained medical doctor, was shot on his left leg during the clash.
Speaking on Sunday during the visit by Okorocha to a hospital in Apo, Abuja, where Anwuka is being treated, Okorocha’s son-in-law recounted the incidence, adding that suspected hoodlums attacked him and his father-in-law.
He also said that a bullet hit him as he was trying to escape from the attack.
Anwuka also stated that he had undergone surgeries, however the surgeries proved abortive and he would seek further medical intervention abroad.
He explained that he was surprised that he was attacked because he was never involved in the brawl.
In his words, “On the day of the incident, my father-in-law called me that he was in Owerri to see his seized property and I drove down their to see him. On getting there, I saw a crowd of thugs led by one of the governor’s cousins. They had guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, they started harassing everyone including my father-in-law (Okorocha). Later, they were asked to round us up and they started shooting, I made an attempt to climb the fence but I was hit by bullet and I fell into the bush and I was there for several hours before I was rescued and brought to the hospital. I have been in this hospital for six days and my leg has been operated three times but it is not getting better. So, I will be going out to get a better treatment.”
Reacting, Okorocha alleged that the government officials attempted to assassinate him and his son-in-law. He, however, noted that his major concern is to save the life of his son-in-law.
In his words, “No arrest has been made it was the people with me who were macheted that were still arrested. For now, to save the life of my son-in-law is more important to me now than any arrest. The authorities should know what to do. It was a beating galore against my people but I ordered that nobody should shoot.”
Recall that Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State had debunked the claims of Okorocha over the controversy training the sealed estate.
The Governor had earlier stated that he has no agenda to assassinate the former governor.
Uzodimma, went further to alleged that Okorocha came to the estate with suspected thugs, adding that a civil defence officer sustained wound from the attack by the suspected thugs.
