Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has paid compensation to the families of security guards killed in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area a few months ago.
The attackers attacked security agents, killed and razed their operational vehicles.
In a statement on Monday in Owerri, the state capital, the spokesman of the governor, Oguwike Nwachuku, disclosed that the governor had released the sum of N185 million to the families of the murdered security agents.
The statement reads: “Governor Hope Uzodimma has compensated security operatives who died in an ambush by unknown bandits in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State in the course of their duties, also releasing N185 million to the families of the deceased and those who survived the attacks .
“Conducting a ceremony on Monday at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, Governor Uzodimma paid tribute to the fallen heroes and those of them who sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack while working as operatives of the ‘Search and Flush Operation.”
“Addressing the audience in an emotional voice, the Governor, remembering how security agents risked their lives to protect citizens of the state, not only prayed to God to give their various families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss but also to ensure the survivors quick recovery from the injuries they are currently treating.
“The governor noted that the occasion brought to the fore the situation of insecurity in Imo State, “as it is beyond what people think and goes a long way to show the problems and the negative impact they are having on the state.
“The Governor recalled that this is not the first time that the state government has recognized those who died or were injured in the performance of their duties, and promised to continue to show love to the families and institutions affected so that they can continue to perform their duties without fear and discouragement.
“He said while he is aware that the Federal Government and the Security Agencies have different compensation plans for their personnel, “this is an opportunity to recognize the invaluable work of the security agencies, namely the police, army, air force, navy, NDELA, civil defense and other paramilitary agencies are doing this in Imo State.
“Governor Uzodimma began announcing that the government would release N185 million to the affected people and prayed God to give the families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss “and peace of mind of the souls of those who have paid the ultimate price to their country. “
Secretary to the state government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, had earlier thanked the governor for his “response to the plight of security agencies in the state.”
He also thanked the government for helping the families of the deceased and helping the injured while performing their duties.
Iwu said, “Attacks and killings by security agencies will not deter them from fighting insecurity and restoring peace in the state,” and assured everyone that “the government will continue to support the families and various security forces in the state.”
Those who died and whose families received compensation include; Isaac Yakubu and Mr. Samson Edeh of NDLEA; Ezeagu Emeka Tobias of NSCDC; Abraham Anas of the Nigerian Air Force and Abas Ejiofor of the Nigerian Police.
The injured officers were identified as Ibrahim Abubakar, Umeh Lawrence, Akwaraji Charles, Abubakar Haruna, Inspector Odukwe, Onyekachi Ndubuisi and others.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the others, the survivor, Umeh Lawrence of the Nigerian Immigration Service, thanked the governor, government and people of Imo State for the compensation and various support to the security agencies, families and well-wishers.
He promised that they would not relent in their assigned responsibilities, but rather continue to fulfill them bravely.
