Nigeria News
Orlu crisis: Okorocha donates N2m to victims

Former Governor of Imo State and member representing Imo West Senatorial District, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has donated the sum of N2 million to the families of four soldiers and six civilians killed recently during the mayhem in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

Senator Okorocha disclosed this when he paid a visit to the traditional ruler of Uzoubi Umuna Community in Orlu and families of the victims of the crisis from Orlu Senatorial District, Sokoto State, and the Niger Republic.

The former governor, who commiserated with the families of the victims, the people of Orlu Senatorial Zone, Sokoto State, and the Niger Republic, also announced scholarship up to senior secondary school level for the children of the deceased numbering about 12 as well as the boy who was injured by strayed bullets.

The senator equally condemned the manhandling of the traditional ruler of Uzoubi Umuna Community, Eze Boniface Chigere Okereke by some policemen drafted to ensure peace in the area, describing the action as the most horrendous assault on the Igbo traditional institution.

He said he was very concerned and pained by the incident.

“What brought me here this afternoon is because of the ugly incident that took place in Orlu two weeks ago that claimed the lives of people here, 4 military men, 3 Nigeriens, one northerner from Sokoto State, two people from my senatorial district here died also with a boy sustaining bullet wounds.

“Our country is passing through very tough times with some people deciding to vent their frustration over the affairs of the nation by killing one another. We must not allow soldiers who protect us to die in the cause of their job.

“Live is sacred and must never be taken in any guise. Death means a lot to us Nigerians irrespective of one’s religion. We must accept the fact that those involved in this are Orlu people and Nigerians.

“It has never been heard before that something like this happened in Orlu because our people are very peaceful and welcoming. We pray that this ugly incident must stop henceforth”, he said.

While assuring the monarch and his community of justice Okorocha advised them to forgive the erring officers, assuring that the inspector general of police would delve into the matter.

He admonished traditional  rulers to speak to their people to ensure that strangers living in their communities were not touched, saying, “As Nigeriens and people from other countries and tribes live in Orlu, that is how Orlu people are scattered all over the Niger Republic and other parts of the world”

While assuring strangers in Orlu Senatorial District of peaceful coexistence, the senator set up a palliative committee headed by the former Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University, Prof. Adaobi Obasi to reach out to all the victims and reconcile all concerned for harmonious coexistence.

culled from THE NATION