The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has urged the military to sheath its sword following an alleged invasion of Izombe community, Oguta Local Government Area of the state by soldiers.
This is as he expressed sadness at the loss of lives and properties suffered by the community.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that indigenes of the community alleged that some soldiers on a reprisal on Friday destroyed properties worth not less than N1bn.
The distraught indigenes, who spoke to our correspondent during a visit to the community, said the soldiers burnt no fewer than 80 houses, many cars and economic trees.
Uzodinma, who shared photos from his visit to the community on Facebook, blamed the outcome on the recklessness of bandits whom he said have chosen to foment mayhem without recourse to morality.
He captioned the photos, “I am saddened at the gory sight of destroyed properties and the lost lives of innocent citizens of Izombe Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, as a result of the recklessness of few bandits who have chosen to foment mayhem without recourse to morality.
“In the wake of this crisis, I called on the military to sheathe its sword and allow the innocents to enjoy their peace while the Government intervenes and today, during my interaction with the traditional rulers and the good people of Izombe community, I admonished the Youths of Izombe from taking to arms as a means of livelihood let alone attacking constituted authorities.
“While it’s quite disheartening that the innocents had to bear the consequences that arose from the actions of a few, I called on the community leaders to assist the government in flushing out these hoodlums as we work towards the restoration of peace, law and order in the community.
“In few days to come, I shall constitute a bilateral committee that would comprise of Government Officials and the leadership of the community to fashion out modalities to commence a project “rebuild Izombe” and offer compensation to the affected homes.”
