Imo Governor, Uzodinma Appeals To Unknown Gunmen To Lay Down Arms

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has appealed to unknown gunmen still hiding in the bush to perpetuate insecurity in some parts of the state to come out and lay down their arms and join society in contributing positively to the progress of the state.

He also promised that the government will be willing to assist them in any kind of business they choose to go into to be useful to themselves and society.

The Governor, made the appeal at the funeral of the slain former Imo APC Woman leader, Orlu zone, Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, who was murdered in 2022 by suspected hoodlums who dumped her lifeless body in the bush.

Addressing a gathering of mourners at the country home of the late APC woman leader in Ogberuru, Orlu LGA , the Governor condemned the conditions under which the woman leader was assassinated, insisting that the Party and the State lost a gem in her.

Uzodinma prayed for the repose of her soul and the souls of the four other women assassinated with her and proceeded to approve the sum of N10 million for each of the deceased families.

He also promised that the government will be willing to employ any of their children who is employable or in the alternative train them if they are willing to learn a trade or skill.

The number one citizen of the state, pointed out that the sole reason why Okonkwo was assassinated, was not because of any offence she committed but because she was an APC member who did her job effectively as a woman leader and mobilizer.

“She was one of the best organizers and mobilizers, not only in Orlu Local Government but in Imo State in general. A very committed party woman, who worked, suffered, served the Party and the government, and because of her commitment, political opponents assassinated her.

“When Rachael was assassinated alongside four others, the senseless political violence and gruesome killings in the area was not known. Those who are behind the political killings in Orlu zone are still at work but very soon the wrath of God will catch up with them.” the Governor maintained

Uzodinma hinted that strangers were recruited by unscrupulous politicians to kill and assassinate their own brothers and sisters in the name of politics.

He, however, said with the help of God, Orlu people are beginning to see that those behind the killings in the LGA and other areas do not mean well for the state.

The Governor, called on all affected by the death of late Okonkwo to take heart and remain committed to the Party and the state.

“It is a thing of conscience. What one sows is what one will reap. If you shed blood God will judge you, if you are innocent God will judge you, if you are killing for political power, God will judge you; at the end of the day you will answer to God.”he further maintained.

Uzodinma used the moment to condole with the bereaved family and members of APC in the State, especially members of Camp Hope, acknowledging their efforts in uniting the party.

He urged all members of the party to remain firm, committed and resilient, assuring that they will never regret their sojourn in the Party.