Imo has never been this insecure, says the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a statement condemning last week’s killing of wedding guests by the state funded security outfit, Ebubeagu.
The SDP noted that the epicenter of the insecurity in the state is Orlu Zone where the governor hails from, wondering if it was by design or a mere coincidence.
Ebubeagu operatives were alleged to have killed at least 14 persons who were indigenes of Otulu and Awomamma in Oru West and Oru East Local Government Areas while returning from a traditional wedding ceremony.
“Different accounts of the ugly incident have shown that the massacre was against unarmed citizens. Such practice is not only barbaric but devilish in intent,” the party stated in the statement signed by Comrade Eze Adiuku, SDP publicity secretary, Imo State.
The party said more worrisome is the Imo State government’s press statement saying the killing of the wedding guests was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), as if the state government has become the official mouthpiece of the DSS.
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Read excerpt of the statement
Assuming without conceding that those killed were members of a gang of bandits, when has it become the rule that a legally armed security organization should determine who are bandits and summarily execute them without recourse to the law courts?
Imo SDP wants to put it on record that our once peaceful Imo State has been thrown into the hall of infamy as one of the most insecure states since the coming of this present administration of Sen Hope Uzodimma as Governor. This indeed should worry every peace-loving and progressive citizen.
It seems that Imo is now controlled by enemy forces outside the state. If the stories about security breaches are anything to go by, over 700 innocent citizens have lost their lives in addition to many properties destroyed by this wave of insecurity.
When government makes pronouncements in response to such killings like the Otulu Massacre, one wonders what really is the essence of government.
Imo SDP sorrowfully condoles with families and communities that have lost their loved ones and who properties have been destroyed as a result of these daylight brigandage. It is our prayer that those wounded will receive devine healing.
Imo SDP calls on government to set up an independent judicial panel of inquiry to look into these incessant killings across the state with the clear mandate of unraveling those behind these atrocious killings.
Governor Hope Uzodimma as the Chief Security Officer of the state should disband this Ebubeagu Security Outfit with immediate effect. This is to assure Ndi Imo that he still means well for them and listens to their complaints.
Traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in Imo should rise up to say enough is enough. There should be a joint meeting of Imo stakeholders to draw a roadmap for the security infrastructure that will augment the police and army.
We pray God to guide, protect and strengthen innocent Imo citizens being held by their administration and Nigeria Security in various prisons and cells within and outside the state.
May the souls of innocent Imo citizens brutally cut down in cold blood in Oru East and Oru West and indeed across the state continue to find rest in the Lord.
We enjoin Imolites to take their destinies in their hands by obtaining their PVCs. Let us all speak in 2023 and bring in a better leadership that will secure citizens in Imo State and Nigeria.
