◾Want government to take steps to protect lives, property of citizens
By Duke Onyeoma
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has condemned the reported massacre of 22 persons at Umualaoma and Arondizuogu communities in Ideato North Local Government Area of the on July 24, 2025, by yet-to-be identified gunmen.
In a Press Statement signed by PDP Publicity Secretary in the State, Lancelot Obiaku, the party said the Governor has failed to show concern over the attack.
The statement reads: “Unfortunately, five days after the latest tragedy, State Governor Hope Uzodimma and the State Government have failed to show any form of concern whatsoever for the people slaughtered in Ideato North. No words, no empathy, no support, and no tangible action or step to end insecurity in the State.
“Apparently, the Governor now sees these attacks as normal occurrences with which he has no business. He has become a Governor who has turned his back on the State he governs. Uzodimma has completely abandoned the leadership and governance of the State in preference for chasing shadows in Abuja.
“Today, there is nothing to give the people hope that this ugly trend will be contained sooner than later. This state of hopelessness is not a reflection of the Imo of our collective dreams.
“Imo PDP, therefore, urges the State Government, in conjunction with the relevant security forces, to immediately activate mechanisms not just to bring the perpetrators to book but also to forestall further attacks of this kind.
“The party once again demands that Gov. Uzodimma show for a day that he is Governor by the responsible governance actions taken and leadership offered, and not merely by title”.
Imo PDP has commiserated with the families and friends of the victims, the entire Arondizuogu and Umualaoma villages, Ideato North, and all Imolites who are sorrowing following the carnage.
“Regrettably, last Thursday’s attack added to a growing list of recent security breaches that claimed the lives of innocent Imolites.
“On May 8, in what has become a routine strike in the LGA, unknown gunmen launched an attack in Umuna in Okigwe LGA, burning over twenty trucks, razing shops, and reportedly taking more than 20 innocent lives, leaving many families in agony. Two days earlier, a sad incident occurred in Ngor-Okpala when 26 passengers were kidnapped on the Owerri-Aba road, and one of them was reportedly shot dead on the spot by suspected Fulani terrorists. The whereabouts of the remaining 25 are still unknown.
“Also, the Agwa community in Oguta LGA of the State experienced heinous attacks this year. In addition, Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West LGA has witnessed constant lethal strikes lately. In that community, many cases of kidnapping by suspected terrorists have been recorded. This is also the situation in parts of Avu, Obinze, and Okuku, and it is clear that the cases of kidnapping, ritual killings, and terrorist attacks on communities are spreading like wildfire across Imo State”.
In the same vein, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA in Imo State has added her voice in condemning the attack.
In a release signed by the party Chairman in the State, Chief John Iwuala, Imo APGA said: “This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the insecurity that has plagued our state for far too long. Imo APGA wishes to express its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, who have lost loved ones or suffered injuries in this brutal attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
“We call upon the Imo State Government to take immediate and decisive action to address the growing insecurity in our state. The government must work tirelessly to identify the perpetrators of this dastardly act and bring them to justice. Furthermore, we urge the government to develop and implement a comprehensive security strategy that will restore peace and safety to our communities.
“The people of Imo State deserve to live without fear of violence and brutality. Imo APGA stands in solidarity with the people of Arondizuogu and the entire state, and we demand that the government takes concrete steps to protect the lives and property of its citizens”.
