The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State chapter has condemned the killing of 22 persons in Ideato North local government area by supposedly unidentified gunmen.
The party also called for proactive and systematic leadership in the state to address such killings, saying Governor Hope Uzodimma has failed to show concern and empathy over the menace.
The PDP publicity secretary in the state, Hon. Lancelot Obiaku, described the mindless killings of innocent citizens at Umualaoma and Arondizuogu as uncalled for and “having no place in our culture and statehood.”
Obiaku, in a statement, commiserated with the families and friends of the victims, the entire Arondizuogu and Umualaoma villages, Ideato North, and all Imolites who are sorrowing, following the carnage.
The PDP, however, expressed regret that the attack had added to the growing list of recent security breaches that have claimed the lives of innocent people.
The party stated: “On 8th May, in what has become a routine strike in the LGA, unknown gunmen launched an attack in Umuna in Okigwe LGA, burning over twenty trucks, razing shops, and reportedly taking more than 20 innocent lives, leaving many families in agony. Two days earlier, a sad incident occurred in Ngor-Okpala when 26 passengers were kidnapped on the Owerri–Aba road, and one of them was reportedly shot dead on the spot by suspected Fulani terrorists. The whereabouts of the remaining 25 are still unknown.”
The party stressed that in Agwa community in Oguta LGA of the state experienced heinous attacks this year, highlighting that Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West LGA, has also experienced constant strikes lately, while many cases of kidnapping by suspected terrorists have been witnessed.
The party revealed that this is also the situation in parts of Avu, Obinze, and Okuku, stressing that it is clear that cases of kidnapping, ritual killings, and terrorist attacks on communities are spreading like wildfire across the state.
The party described as unfortunate a situation where after the latest tragedy, the Governor, Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government have failed to show any form of concern and empathy whatsoever to the people slaughtered in Ideato North.
The PDP said: “No words, no empathy, no support, and no tangible action or steps to end insecurity in the state. Apparently, the Governor now sees these attacks as normal occurrences with which he has no business.”
The PDP stressed that Uzodimma has become a Governor who has turned his back on the state he rules, having completely abandoned the leadership and governance of the state in preference to chasing shadows in Abuja.
“Today, there is nothing to give the people hope that this ugly trend will be contained sooner, than later. This state of hopelessness is not a reflection of the Imo of our collective dreams and aspirations.”
The party called on the Imo State Government to collaborate with the relevant security agencies and activate mechanisms not just to bring the perpetrators to book but also to forestall future occurrence.
The PDP urged Uzodimma to display that he is governor by responsible and responsive governance through proactive leadership to the citizenry.
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