Nnarambia Advancement Initiative commiserated with the police, government and people of the state over the incident.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Community-based interest organisation, Nnarambia Advancement Initiative (NAI), has condemned the killing of the divisional police officer of Ahiazu-Mbaise, an inspector and a resident at Ahiara Junction in Imo State on November 27.
The officers were attacked by the suspects who were dressed in military camouflage when they stopped to refuel their vehicles.
The NAI, in a statement on Monday signed by its President, Chijioke Unegbu; NAI Europe Coordinator, Uzo Ejekwumadu; NAI US Coordinator, Nnamdi Uzo; and convener, Prof Bongo Adi, also commiserated with the police, government and people of the state over the incident.
The statement said, “Nnarambia Advancement Initiative condemn in strong terms these criminal gangs and their acts of lawlessness reminiscent of the Hobbesian state of nature where life is brutish, nasty, and short. We most sincerely commiserate with the immediate families of the slain gallant police officers who lost their lives, the murdered community resident, and all those directly and indirectly affected by this tragic incident. Our heart goes to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma, and all his police officers and other security personnel at these trying times. In the same manner, we are in solidarity with the government of Imo State, led by Governor Hope Uzordimma and appreciate efforts made to return to normalcy. May the soul of the departed rest in peace.
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The group also praised the police over the arrest of some suspects in connection with the incident, urging the authorities not to arrest innocent residents of the community.
“The news of arrests by the police of some criminal elements alleged to have been involved in the unfortunate incident in a neighbouring local government area has also been received by NAI and our community with some relief. By that singular action, the police team has sent a strong warning to others engaged in nefarious activities to keep away from Nnarambia and turn a new leaf or face the long arms of the security and law enforcement agencies. We also appeal to the Commissioner of Police to ensure that in the effort to fish out the criminals behind the insecurity in the community, innocent residents of the community are not unfairly arrested or punished.
“NAI will continue to support and collaborate with the police and other security agencies, our traditional ruler and town union leadership, age grades, community-led neighbourhood watch, and civil societies to maintain peace and security in Nnarambia. We will indeed now, as a matter of urgency, galvanise our eminent sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora to ensure that Nnarambia is safe and secure and continues to play her leading role as the heartbeat of the Mbaise urban development, religious and cultural centre. We have no other place to call home than Nnarambia, and safeguarding it is a task that must be done!” the statement added.