Ihedioha Says Okigwe killings Show Collapse Of Governance

Former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha has condemned the killing of five people in Ezinachi community, Okigwe Local Government Area, describing it as another proof of government’s failure to safeguard lives and property.

The victims were identified as Emeka Ezeagwula, his wife Blessing, Ejike Otuonye, Chidi Chineke, and a vigilante member. Their deaths add to the growing list of violent incidents that have unsettled communities across Imo.

Ihedioha said the killings reflect a level of insecurity that is unacceptable in any society. He stressed that residents should not be forced to live under fear or accept violence as a way of life. He noted that the dead were not just statistics but individuals whose lives mattered to their families and communities.

He described the tragedy as a result of governance collapse and a failure of security structures in the state. He argued that no society can make progress where human lives are treated as disposable, urging authorities to treat the incident as a wake-up call.

The former governor stated that the primary duty of government is to protect citizens, and any failure to do so amounts to neglect of responsibility. He called on security agencies to move beyond promises and take decisive action to bring the killers to justice while restoring public confidence.

He expressed concern that many residents now live in constant fear, unable to farm or rest peacefully due to persistent insecurity. He warned that continued neglect could push communities into despair and self-help measures.

Ihedioha also sympathised with the families of the victims and the Ezinachi community, saying their grief is shared by all people of Imo who long for peace and safety.