By CHARLES IWUOHA

Action People’s Party (APP) senatorial hopeful for Imo East Senatorial Zone, Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent wave of violent attacks and killings in the Ihiagwa and Eziobodo communities of Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

Amadi described the development as painful, disturbing, and unacceptable. He sympathized with families who lost their loved ones, those injured in the attacks, and residents who now live in fear as insecurity continues to escalate across parts of the state.

According to him, no responsible government should allow innocent citizens to become easy targets for criminal elements while communities remain vulnerable and unprotected.

He noted that the recurring attacks and growing insecurity in several parts of Imo State reflect a dangerous decline in governance and a failure of leadership to prioritize the safety and welfare of the people.

Amadi regretted that while the people of Imo grapple with fear, economic hardship, and uncertainty, the state government appears increasingly preoccupied with local political contests and national political calculations rather than confronting the urgent challenges facing the state.

He stated that governance demands presence, responsiveness, and strategic leadership, especially at moments when citizens look up to government for protection and reassurance.

He further maintained that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government and should never be sacrificed on the altar of political distractions or personal ambitions. According to him, the absence of visible and proactive governance has created loopholes that criminal elements now exploit to terrorize innocent residents across various communities in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief press Secretary, Cajetan Duke, and made available to journalists in Owerri.

Amadi therefore called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward identifying and apprehending the perpetrators of the attacks while strengthening security surveillance and intelligence gathering across vulnerable communities.

He stressed the need for coordinated and sustained security measures capable of restoring public confidence and preventing further loss of innocent lives.

While praying for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives, Dr. Amadi urged the people of Imo State not to lose hope despite the present challenges.

He reassured residents that the collective aspiration for a safer, more secure, and better-governed Imo State remains achievable through purposeful leadership, people-oriented governance, and sincere commitment to the welfare of the citizens.