Imo State Government condemns killings in Akokwa as Deputy Gov., others visit bereaved family

The Imo State Government has condemned the killings which occurred in Akokwa in Ideato North Local Government Area. No fewer than seven persons were killed on Friday, August 12, following a bloody clash between indigenes and the Hausa/Fulani community.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media, Uche Onwuchekwa:
The Imo State Government has, in strong terms, condemned the act of homicide, which occurred in Akokwa in Ideato North Local Government area of Imo State, which led to the loss of lives.

Prince Madumere representing Governor Okorocha made this remark when he paid a visit to the bereaved families and during his address to the people of Akokwa and its residents. His words, reading in parts;

"I am here on behalf my leader, of our Governor, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to confer with the people of Akokwa and its residents over the unfortunate incidents that took human lives yesterday.

"We totally condemn the unfortunate and avoidable incidents. We want to call on all and sundry to be calm and law abiding. We assure you that measures have been taken to ensure that the situation is brought under control. Security agencies have deployed their men to beef up security and to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order."

Speaking further, he said that any loss of human life is detested by the people of Imo State and that every responsible government always stands on the side of justice any time such incident occurs. He emphasized the need for every Nigerian to embrace one another in brotherhood and to shun any act of violence attributable to hate, tribalism, race or religion.

"Violence is barbaric and unacceptable means of settling disputes and is condemned by the civilized world. It is equally regarded as evil when violence is carried out in a manner that shows hatred of our neighbours, whether it is based on tribe, race, or religion. Every Nigerian irrespective of his place of origin or how he worships should be safe and at home in other parts of Nigeria," he enthused.

While assuring that Imo State, will continue to live up to this creed especially as it concerns sanctity of life, he commended the army, the police command and other security agencies that were quick to respond to arrest the situation and forestall law and order, describing their efforts as patriotic

Continuing, he promised the people of Akokwa and its residents that the Government of Imo State in collaboration with the security agencies will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it gets to the root of the strange and frightening situation so as to avoid the future occurrence.

He also emphasized that the ugly events of yesterday has nothing to do with the Fulani herdsmen but a clear case of homicide caused by one violent man. He also warned that Government will not condone any act of violence in the State under any guise as such person must be decisively dealt with.

He called on the people to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious movements to security agencies, while assuring the affected families that Government of Imo State led by Governor Okorocha share in the pains of the families that lost their loved ones.

In his address, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu while collaborating with the stance of Imo State Government regretted the incident. He however called for calm while revealing that the police in collaboration with sister agencies had already waded into the matter to ensure that it uncover the root cause of the sad event.

He called on the people to go about their normal business as they are on ground to ensure that unscrupulous elements do not take advantage of the ugly incidents to perpetrate their unholy acts, warning that such elements will be decisively dealt with if found engaging in any act that will bring about breakdown of law and order.