Uduaghan escapes death in Ibori’s home town

…As Oghara youths open fire on governor’s convoy


Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State escaped death yesterday as Oghara youths shot at his convoy while on a visit to ex-Governor James Ibori’s home town. Uduaghan had gone to the community to sympathize with the ex-Governor’s family, who recently lost their younger one identified as Andrew Ibori.

Sunday Sun correspondent, who was also on the convoy, narrowly escaped the hoodlums’ bullet as they fired at the entourage. The governor, who had concluded the visit, was about leaving when the convoy met with bonfire and heavy blockade erected by hundreds of youths suspected to be hoodlums.

Immediately the convoy noticed the heavy blockade, hot exchange of fire ensued between them and security operatives on the governor’s entourage and in no time the criminals were dislodged. But the commando-like scenario shook the town, as hundreds of persons, including some members of the entourage, took to their heels. Some indigenes were courageous enough to condemn the action of the youths, and pleaded with the governor to tamper justice with mercy.

The hoodlums, who were battle ready, aimed directly at the governor’s official car, but it was a mission impossible. It would be recalled that Ibori suffered same fate in 2001 while in office, as hundreds of armed youths threatened to kill him. At the time of filing this report, nobody has been able to know the grievances of the youths.

Uduaghan, who was received on arrival by the Unugbroghodo of Oghara, Chief William Ibori, who is an elder brother to ex-governor Ibori, commended the governor for visiting and condoling with the family. The governor had started the day by monitoring the environmental sanitation in Warri, Uvwie, Sapele and environs.

He commended Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, for opening up a lot of canals and channels in Warri and Effurun to forestall flooding of the area. While expressing happiness over work done by Chief Omare, the governor told residents at Essi Layout, Jakpa Road, and Alaka Junction in Effurun that more work would be done to alleviate their hardship.