THE Governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodimma, has visited the location where a number of security operatives were ambushed and killed by gunmen in the state.
The massacre had occured early Tuesday, September 19 in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement published on X (Twitter), the Governor expressed shock over the incident.
“I was saddened at the news of an ambush by armed men, which led to the death of some security personnel on duty at Umuezeala Owerre in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
“I have visited the scene of the crime, this barbaric act is unacceptable and I have directed a collaborative effort amongst the security units for justice. However, I assured our people not to exercise any fear of reprisal attack or hostility, even as I appeal for cooperation from the community.
“Ndi Imo nwe’m, let’s not be dismayed by this, as it does not in any way unbalance our ongoing campaign against criminality and its associated vices in our dear State. Let us be rest assured that we will track those behind this heinous crime and bring them to book.
“Once more, I commiserated with the security agencies whose men were involved in the ugly incident.
“The Government will provide every necessary support to ensure that all officers and men of our security agencies are encouraged by serving justice,” the Governor wrote.
The tragic incident saw 8 security agents, including men of the Nigerian army, Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) ambushed by the yet to be identified gunmen and burnt to death in the truck.