Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo state has begged the Nigerian army to stop burning houses in Izombe community, Oguta local government area of the state.
A clash between soldiers and oil bunkerers in the community had resulted in the death of two soldiers and one alleged oil bunkerer.
The soldiers returned, killing and maiming the locals while over 70 houses, including that of the traditional ruler was set ablaze.
The commissioner of Imo, Declan Emelumba said the Imo State Government quickly intervened and convened a peace meeting between the Security Agencies and the affected communities at the palace of the traditional ruler.
The Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba stated this when he appeared on Oziza Radio phone-in program.
He said, “the peace move initiated by the State Government led to immediate cessation of hostilities between the parties and saved further escalation of tension and damages to properties.
“The Imo State Government noted the spontaneous reaction of both parties to the conflict and condemned the loss of lives and properties, “Mr Emelumba said.
“The peace process put in place by the Government has yielded fruit with the return of the three rifles seized from the Security Agencies, and the withdrawal from the scene by security agencies.
Speaking further, “the Imo State Government will quickly take steps to look into the cause(s) of the hostilities with the view to not only apportion blame to culprits but will initiate compensations to innocent victims.
According to Emelumba, the Imo State Government frowned at the burning down of buildings and appealed to the Security Agencies to show restraint in their dealing with civilian populations in Imo State.
Hon. Emelumba disclosed that preliminary investigations has revealed that the only civilian victim called “Obele” was an escapee from the jail break at the Owerri Correctional Centre who masterminded a previous attack on a police station in the area.
The Commissioner used the occasion to task media houses in Imo State to assist the government by counselling our youths to refrain from confrontation with Security Agencies and desist from illegal bunkering of petroleum products which has negatively impacted on the revenue accruals coming to Imo State from Federal Government allocations.
Meanwhile, the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has today met with Heads of Security Agencies in Imo State and assured the citizens that he will be visiting the scene of the confrontation in order to get first hand information with a view to setting up a Commission of Inquiry.
