There was pandemonium yesterday in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State when yet-to-be identified hoodlums attacked a Magistrates’ Court in Orlu, the local government headquarters and set it ablaze.
The fire, eyewitnesses said, destroyed documents in the court’s record-keeping department.
The court is on the same premises with Orlu High Court.
A court worker, who spoke in confidence, told reporters that the hoodlums fled after setting a section of the court ablaze.
He said security men attached to the court were attracted by the inferno but could not get there before the attackers escaped in a waiting vehicle.
The source said there was no premeditated reason for the attack, adding that nobody was in Court when the hoodlums struck.
He said: “This court treats cases like every other court. There is no development in the past suggesting the attack. Police investigation will reveal the reason for the arson.”
Police spokesperson Andrew Enwerem, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said it was a suspected case of arson.
He said Police Commissioner Dasuki Galadanchi had mandated Orlu Area Commander to investigate the matter.
The spokesman said only the section housing the court’s documents was affected.