Izombe massacre: Uzodimma flays killings, destruction of property

• Directs holistic investigation

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has expressed sadness over Monday’s massacre and attacks in Izombe, Oguta Council, leading to loss of life and property by persons suspected to be operatives of security agencies on reprisal attacks.

The governor, consequently, directed holistic investigation over the attack. A statement, yesterday, by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, described the incidence, where yet-to-be ascertained number of persons were killed, including a security officer, while homes and other property belonging to the locals were set ablaze, as unfortunate, urging restraint between oil bunkerers and security agencies.

The statement reads: “State government is saddened by unfortunate events that occurred in Izombe, Oguta Council of the state, recently, which led to loss of life and destruction of property.

“It is regrettable that despite advice by government on the need for restraint from untoward acts, even in the face of provocation, the fracas between illegal oil bunkerers and security agencies was allowed to snowball into fatal violence.

“Government understands that security agencies went on reprisal attack after losing one of their own. But since two wrongs cannot make a right, the matter, instead of abating, escalated. Government insists that no matter the situation, the rules of engagement must always apply.

“State government sympathises with families of those who lost either their loved ones or property in that ill advised violence.”

“Uzodimma has already ordered a holistic investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis.

“While government awaits the report of the investigation, both parties to the conflict are advised to maintain peace.

“The state government urged security agencies to adhere to the rules of engagement, as well as the civilian populace to refrain from provoking security men.

“Government will continue to do all within its powers to ensure harmonious relationship among segments of Imo populace.”