Uzodimma: Those behind Imo attacks have willingly confessed

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, says some persons have confessed to being behind the recent attacks on government facilities in the state.

Over the past months, unknown gunmen have attacked security facilities in the state, including the police headquarters and correctional centre in Owerri, the Imo capital.

Speaking at a meeting with Samuel Uche, prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), on Satuday, the governor said those who confessed will soon be be revealed to the public.

In a statement issued after the meeting, he also urged the church to partner with government to bring an end to insecurity in the state.

“I have continued to call on the Church to preach, pray and partner with Government in stemming the tide of insecurity, which includes violence, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, destruction of lives and property as well as killing of security personnel and burning of their facilities, as the government cannot function alone,” Uzodimma said.

“I made this appeal when we received the Prelate of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Samuel Uche, at the Exco Chambers, Imo State Government House, Owerri.

“I noted that the only way government can succeed is by going into partnership with the people and with establishments such as the Church, bearing in mind that the morality and good conduct we are talking about come easily from the activities of the Church.

“Imo State wants peace because Imo is known for peace and at the same time, peace and unity of our country are inevitable because it is only through unity, justice, equity and fair play; and the people having sense of citizenship that we can beat our chest and answer proud Nigerians.

“We are determined to play decent politics as the activities of the past weeks which are products of bad or indecent politics, anchored on acrimony and violence are regrettable.

“It is sad that most of the killings, destructions in the state were politically motivated but we thank God that most of those incriminated have willingly confessed and as soon as the investigations are concluded, the culprits will be made public and those behind the incident of killing innocent people, destroying private and public properties must be made to face the full weight of the law.”