Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has described the killings that occurred in Izombe community in Oguta Local Government Area of the state as atrocious
The governor who could not hold back tears as he visited the community he described as "his home town", to ascertain the level of damage caused in the area, also called on the leaders of the community to speak up.
Governor Uzodimma called on the leaders not to keep quiet over the incident. “Where are our leaders? Why are you keeping quiet? These youths are our brothers. I am not going to kill them. I will want them to repent and tell us why they have taken to crime."
The governor said "I am shedding tears because of the huge damage unleashed on the properties of our brothers and sisters in the area, our people suffered to build these properties that have gone down within a twinkle of an eye".
He assured the Traditional ruler that his government will stand by the community to bring lasting peace and also help rebuild the properties destroyed, recalling how Izombe has stood by him throughout his political career.
He assured the community that a committee will be set up immediately to look into all the matters that led to the unfortunate events.
“Your Royal Highness, I sincerely condole with you, unfortunately this has happened. It is so sad. We are here on a condolence visit, to identify with my brothers and sisters." He said.
“What happened is very bad. It is condemnable. I must be with you because when I was struggling you were with me – when I was challenged you were with me, so if you are challenged, I will also be with you." the governor further said.
“I take Izombe as Omuma, my home town. It is painful after all our sufferings, struggle and God answered our prayer. He brought us blessings. Instead of us to enjoy blessings we are having obstacles."
The state chief executive said he has been in touch with the military, and have their assurance to let peace reign in the community and the state at large.
“I have the assurance of the army that the innocent must have peace. There must be peace in Izombe, there must be peace in Imo State there must be peace in Nigeria.”
The governor warned that the government will not allowed what happened to repeat itself again. "We gave birth to these children so that they will grow and be useful to the society. We have to advise them, I assure you that; what happened will never happen again. We can’t suffer for years and waste all we have laboured for in the past, just because of one foolish person. We will never allow it to happen again."
Senator Uzodinma told the gathering that his emergence as governor is to bring development to the state and not destruction of lives and properties. He gave the youths 7 days to return the weapons they have in their possession.
The governor asked that everyone should shield their swords and give peace a chance, stating that Izombe community is one full with wise men
“If there is any community in Imo State where civilization should be resident, it is in Izombe community. Izombe is a community where we have so many wise men.” Uzodinma said.
Recall as reported earlier by Imoflash that trouble started in the oil rich community when a group of oil smugglers led by one Obele, a suspect in the last Owerri prison break crashed with officers of the Nigeria military who were called in initially to maintain peace in the community.
The crash led to the killing of Obele and two officers of the military, one officer escaped and informed his colleagues who came on rampage in the community, burnt the house of the Traditional ruler of the community where the two officers were allegedly killed and ordering the killing of any youth found in sight in the community as was seen in a viral video on social media.
