Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has donated N185 million to the families of security agents killed in an ambush by unknown gunmen at Ehime Mbano Local Government area in the course of carrying out their duties.
Also compensated were security officers who survived the attacks.
Governor Uzodimma, appreciated the fallen heroes and those of them who sustained various degrees of injuries in the course of the attack, during “Search and Flush Operations.’’
Addressing the audience in an emotion laden voice, the governor, who remembered how the security agents put their lives on line to protect the citizens of the state, not only prayed God to grant their various families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, but, also, to grant the survivors quick recovery from the injuries they are currently nursing.
“The governor noted that the occasion has brought to the fore the situation of insecurity in Imo State “as being beyond what people think and goes a long way to showcase the problems and the negative impact inflicted on the state.”
The governor recalled that this is not the first time the state government would appreciate those who died or were injured while carrying out their assigned duties and promised to continue to show love to the families and agencies affected, so that they would continue to discharge their duties without fear or discouragement.
He said though he was aware that the Federal Government and the security agencies have different compensation plans for their personnel, “yet this is an opportunity to appreciate the invaluable jobs the security agencies, that is, Police, Army, Air Force, Navy, NDELA, Civil Defence and other paramilitary agencies are doing in Imo State.”
Governor Uzodimma proceeded to announce the state government’s donation of N185 million to those affected and prayed to God to give the families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, “and the repose of the souls of those who paid the supreme price for their fatherland.”
Earlier, while leading the audience into the reason for the event, the Secretary to Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, welcomed the bereaved families to the solemn event and thanked governor Uzodimma for “being responsive to the plight of the security agencies in the state.”
He also appreciated the government for coming to the aid of the families of the deceased and for assisting those who were wounded in the course of performing their duties.
Iwu said: “The attacks and killings of security agencies will not deter them from fighting against insecurity and restoring peace in the state.
” Government will continue to support the families and the various security outfits in the state.”
Those who died and were compensated include; Isaac Yakubu and Mr. Samson Edeh of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Ezeagu Emeka Tobias of National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Abraham Anas of Nigerian Air Force and Abas Ejiofor of the Nigerian Police.
The injured officers include; Ibrahim Abubakar, Umeh Lawrence, Akwaraji Charles, Abubakar Haruna, Inspector Odukwe, Onyekachi Ndubuisi and others.
