Uzodinma presents N185m to families of security operatives killed by gunmen

The executive governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma on Monday in Owerri presented N185 million as compensation to bereaved families of security personnel killed at Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state on Sept. 19.

Gunmen had killed five security personnel attached to a military joint taskforce that was on routine patrol in the area on the day of the murder.

More than six of their colleagues in the “Search and Flush Operation’’ of the taskforce sustained various degrees of injuries in the attack. They are part of beneficiaries of the compensation.

Mr Uzodimma described the fallen troops as heroes and prayed to God to grant their various families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and to also grant the survivors quick recovery from their injuries.

The governor noted that the occasion brought to limelight the insecurity challenges in Imo.

“It is beyond what people think and it has negative impact on the state,’’ he said.

The governor observed that Monday’s gesture was not the first time the state would compensate families of those killed while protecting Imo residents.

Mr Uzodimma promised to continue to show love to the families and agencies affected to spur them in the discharge of their duties without fear or discouragement.

He said he was aware that the Federal Government and the security agencies had different compensation plans for their personnel.

“This is an opportunity to appreciate the invaluable jobs the security agencies are doing in Imo,’’ the governor said.