TheCable

Gunmen have killed four persons and injured seven others during an attack on the Nimbo community under Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu state.

The victims of the attack which took place on Sunday are Okeh Simon Ugwu Oruku, Okeh Chukwuebuka, Julius Ogbonna Odiegwu and Gabriel Ugwor Ezea.

Speaking during a visit to the community on Monday, Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, described the attack as a collective tragedy to the entire state.

The governor said the state government would ensure that the attackers are tracked down, apprehended and brought to book.

“Let me assure you that enough is enough. I don’t think that we would allow our hospitality to be taken for granted. We expect people, who have come to mingle with us, to also play by the rules and laws of our land,” he said.

“I don’t think that we have any reason to exist as a government if we cannot guarantee the safety of our people because the primary purpose of government is to guarantee the security and the welfare of its citizens.

“So, a situation where our people would go to bed with their two eyes open must end. And it must end immediately. 

“We are truly pained by such dastardly killing by people who trespass, come into the locality of our people, who are living quietly within their environment, and open fire on them.

“That is inexcusable and unacceptable, and we are going to identify, track these culprits, pursue them wherever they are, capture them, and ensure that we bring them to justice.”

Mbah promised that the government would bear the cost for the treatment of victims of the attacks.

He said his administration would ensure that the community’s security and that of the Uzo-Uwani LGA is strengthened to forestall future attacks.

“We have listened to you on the issues you raised about making sure that the people of Nimbo are integrated into the government. We are going to do just that. Your voice has been heard,” he said.

“I also would like to inform you that we shall not abandon you in this time of need. Going forward, the government will be responsible for the victims who are being treated, including those going back to the orthopaedic hospital. We will bear the cost. 

“All the survivors of victims of this dastardly act, we are going to ensure that their suffering is abated. We are going to make sure that the kids do not suffer any more than they have already suffered by losing a father.

“We will ensure that they go to school through our scholarships and those who need jobs, we are going to give them jobs.”