By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Special Security Consultant (SSC) to Ebonyi State government, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, has described as barbaric and unfortunate, the incident that claimed the lives of four innocent people in the state.

Emegha also condemned the burning of the house of the Executive Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Elder Stephen Orogwu.

Chief Emegha who spoke in Abakakili, noted that the despicable act came at a time when Ebonyi was being celebrated as the most peaceful and economically vibrant state in the country.

While expressing sadness that the perpetrators of the dastardly act did not project the image of the state in a good light, neither did they represent the paragon or ideals of the people, the security expert said normalcy has since returned to the area, adding that there has been increased surveillance in the area and other parts of the state.

“I am deeply saddened that these unscrupulous elements could strike in this manner; but they should be rest assured that security searchlight was being beamed on them as they will, within the shortest time, be apprehended and prosecuted in line with the law.

“I want to reiterate that the fact that there is no safe haven for crimes in the state. For some of them that engage on guerrilla warfare, the security personnel will not and will never allow them to threaten the existing peace in the state.

“May I also console the family of Elder Orogwu and the entire people of Ikwo Local Government Area over the unfortunate incident. May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest in His bosom,” the Security Consultant who doubles as Ebonyi State Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said.

Emegha also used the opportunity to advise members of the public to always endeavour to volunteer useful and prompt information to security agencies when they suspect unholy activities around their vicinities for quick intervention.