Insecurity: 273 lives lost, properties destroyed in Okigwe zone in Imo

No fewer than 273 lives were lost and widespread destruction of properties in Okigwe senatorial zone of Imo State, while the wave of insecurity lasted in the area.

Chairman of the fact finding Committee and retired Prelate of Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel C. K. Uche, rolled out the graphic accounts, when he presented the report to Governor Hope Uzodimma, in Government House, Owerri.

He said: "The report contains graphic accounts of avoidable loss of lives, widespread destruction of property and human suffering, estimated to cost billions of Naira.

"In the past four years, no fewer than 273 lives were lost in the affected areas, during the violent and unreasonable madness."

While saying that "the report contains a detailed tabular breakdown of damage to public infrastructure and private property", Uche also emphasized that the report reflected the true experiences of residents, even as he noted that"the findings are authentic and reliable".

He appealed to the Governor, to promptly implement the recommendations of the Committee.

Responding, the Governor promised that "attention would be paid to restoration of infrastructure, in a phased exercise that will not only be comprehensive, but also guarantee urgent value to the needs of the people in the affected areas.

"Plans are underway to rebuild critical infrastructure, including police stations, hospitals, health centers and schools. Local Government administrative offices, would also be reconstructed with support from the state.

Pebnews recalls that the Committee, which was inaugurated a few months ago, was mandated, among other things, "to assess and recommend measures for the rehabilitation of communities in Okigwe, Onuimo, Ihitte Uboma and Ehime Mbano local council areas", affected by the insecurity.