The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State condemns in the strongest terms the bloodbath of 24 July, 2025, in Ideato North LGA of the State, where unidentified gunmen gruesomely murdered at least 22 innocent citizens at Umualaoma and Arondizuogu communities.

In a statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday by the State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the party, while receiving the news with deep sorrow, described the mindless killings of innocent people at Umualaoma and Arondizuogu as uncalled for and “having no place in our culture and statehood.”

The party 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.

The PDP regretted that last Thursday’s attack had added to a growing list of recent security breaches that have claimed the lives of innocent Imolites.

They said: “On 8 May, 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.”

The party added that the Agwa community in Oguta LGA of the State experienced heinous attacks this year, noting that Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West LGA, has also witnessed constant lethal strikes lately, while many cases of kidnapping by suspected terrorists have been recorded.

According to them, this is also the situation in parts of Avu, Obinze, and Okuku, adding that it is clear that cases of kidnapping, ritual killings, and terrorist attacks on communities are spreading like wildfire across Imo State.

The party described it as unfortunate that, 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.

They said: “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.”

The PDP observed that Uzodimma has become a Governor who has turned his back on the State he governs, having completely abandoned the leadership and governance of the State in preference for chasing shadows in Abuja.

They said: “Today, there is nothing to give the people hope that this ugly trend will be contained sooner rather than later. This state of hopelessness is not a reflection of the Imo of our collective dreams.”

The PDP, therefore, urged the State Government, in conjunction with the relevant security forces, to immediately activate mechanisms not just to bring the perpetrators to book but to also 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. (Nigerian Tribune)