By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of five persons in Ajana Umuna, Ezinachi, in Okigwe Local Government Area over the weekend.

Uzodimma described the incident as unconscionable and barbaric, and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved.

Following the incident, the State Government has immediately deployed a detachment of both the Nigerian Army and the Police to the area to restore law and order, and to fish out the perpetrators.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said Governor Uzodimma has given firm instructions to the security agencies to track down and bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice without delay.

Emelumba disclosed that information available to the state government indicates that non-state actors swooped on local vigilante personnel, killing one vigilante member and four relatives of the head of the vigilante group in the area, including a husband and wife.

The attackers also burnt their homes and motorcycles. He announced that the government is currently on top of the situation, working to restore normalcy and to secure lives and property in the area.

The Commissioner assured the people of Imo State that, in collaboration with security agencies, the government will ensure that the state remains safe and secure.

He, however, regretted that some opposition politicians are attempting to exploit the unfortunate incident for political gain, inflaming passions and stoking fear among the people.

Emelumba, said the Okigwe attack was a security breach that is being effectively contained, and urged residents to go about their normal activities without fear.