By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife has condemned the recent attack on the Umunze police station by some yet-to-be-identified gunmen, which also claimed the lives of two police officers.
It would be recalled that some unidentified gunmen, in the early hours of Monday, September 16, invaded a police station at Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, where they also threw in some explosives.
The gunmen, in the process, also killed two of the police officers on duty at the station at the time, when they were making efforts to repel the attack. Some parts of the police station were also engulfed by fire after the detonation of some improvised explosive devices (IEDs) thrown into the facility by the gunmen, some of which, though, were eventually recovered (unexploded) by the joint security force.
Reacting to the incident, Hon. Princess Nnabuife decried the rate of incessant attacks and the destruction of innocent lives and security facilities in Umunze and other parts of Anambra State, describing the it as an affront to peace and progress in the region.
Sympathizing with the families of the slain officers, as well as the Umunze police station and Anambra State Police Command, the lawmaker condemned the violent actions as not only barbaric but also deeply counterproductive to the security and stability of the community, the state, and the region at large. She challenged the perpetrators to have a serious rethink about the path of violence and incessant wastage of human lives, noting that it only brings pain, destruction, and a cycle of fear.
“What sense is there in such a violent crime? Violence destroys the very fabric of our society and pushes us further into chaos.
“I therefore call on those behind these incessant attacks to lay down their arms and embrace peace. The future of our community, region and society at large depends on cooperation, dialogue, and the pursuit of constructive solutions, rather on senseless bloodshed,” Hon. Nnabuife emphasized.
While expressing confidence that the perpetrators of such heinous act would be grilled and swiftly brought to justice, the federal lawmaker also reassured the people of Umunze and Orumba that she is already collaborating with relevant security agencies to address the lingering security challenges in the region, while also pushing for more proactive security measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
She also called on the youths, in particular, to reject any form of manipulation or inducement to engage in acts of violence, urging them to channel their energy toward positive and productive ventures that contribute to the societal growth and general development.
“These young people should know that they are both present and the future; and it is heartbreaking to see their talents wasted in the pursuit of destruction. We must focus on building, not tearing down,” she added.
Continuing, Hon. Princess Nnabuife implored the people of Umunze to remain calm but vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies; encouraging them to promptly report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
According to her, the security of every society requires a collective effort, and is a shared responsibility.
“We must all come together to protect our communities and support those who risk their lives to keep us safe,” the lawmaker added.
Concluding, Hon. Nnabuife reassured the families of the slain officers of adequate support and solidarity, especially in this time of grief; while also reaffirming her commitment to doing everything within her power to safeguard the constituents, tighten up security and prevent future reoccurrence of such incidents.
“Government remains resolute in tackling insecurity across the State. And we will not be deterred by these cowardly acts. Together, we will rise above this challenge, and have enduring peace return to our land,” she added.
