By Jennifer John
The Imo state Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma has expressed reservation that such a level of attack could be allowed to happen in the state police headquarters and attackers allowed to operate freely and go scotch free.
“If you must not be on the offensive, you must be able to defend yourselves and your facilities. The Citadel of security in Imo State lies here at the police headquarters. So for us to allow hoodlums to have their way, enter this place, operate and go away scotch free is condemnable.
“I don’t want to identify with any development that will insinuate, encourage or allude to the fact that miscreants will confront the government and get away with it. It is a fact that once the police are insulted, the integrity of government itself is insulted”. Uzodimma quipped.
The governor informed the IGP that Imo people are unanimous in condemning the action, which he said is capable of provoking anybody.
He however commended officers of Imo State police command who he said have been working very hard, even amid inadequate equipment, adding that the police has always borne the brunt each time there is a crisis in the land.
He promised that the state government will do its best to complement the effort of the Nigeria Police authorities in replacing the facilities that were destroyed by the attackers.
The former Inspector (IGP) Muhammed Adamu reminded Police officers in Imo State and Nigeria in general that they are empowered by law to use their sophisticated weapons to smash any group of miscreants who violently attack them.
The former IGP made this assertion while addressing officers and men of Imo State Police Command over the recent attack by unknown gunmen on the state Police and Prisons headquarters in Owerri.
He said his visit was to encourage them and tell them never to be demoralized, as according to him, the attackers intended to demoralize them and make it look as if they are incapable to protect the lives and properties of Imo people.
While calling for a united force involving the; community leaders, LGA authorities, state government to condemn and stamp out the ugly narrative, the replaced IGP promised that the Nigerian Police will work with other stakeholders to immediately replace the facilities that were destroyed by the hoodlums.
