Naija Blog reports that Hon. Uche Ben Odunzeh, NNPP candidate in Imo State for governorship election in 2023, has roundly condemned Friday, July 24, horrific killings in Umualoma, Ndiakunwanta, and Ndiejezie villages in Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA of Imo State.

In a passionate speech, Odunzeh called the horrific incident "unprovoked, inhuman, and reprehensible in all respects," lamenting that so much senseless slaughter is foreign to the Ndigbo ethos.

"As Nwafo Igbo, murders never were part of our culture. This wholesale murder is against the very spirit of our civic way of life," he stated.

He cautioned against violence being normalized in the country and demanded immediate measures to restore justice and peace:

"We should not make killings, armed robbery, and kidnapping every day. The security and peace of our people are not negotiable. Every Nigerian has the right to sleep without fear and wake without sorrow."

Naija Blog was informed that Hon. Odunzeh has urged the state and federal governments to act with urgency in arresting the perpetrators, boosting local security, and preventing future disasters. He demanded more local networks of intelligence and trust-based and community-partnering policing.

"Enough of the killing in our nation," he declared. "We need functional security systems—those that involve the people, save lives, and uphold the dignity of our citizens."

In a show of utmost sympathy, Odunzeh condoled with the relatives of the victims and the entire Arondizuogu community, praying for God's healing and comfort amidst this ghastly tragedy.

In a poignant call to leadership, he challenged Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and all the security agencies to transcend politics and personal interests:

"This is a test of leadership. We have to craft a security architecture that protects the people, upholds their rights, and brings back peace."

Hon. Uche Ben Odunzeh
2023 NNPP Governorship Candidate, Imo State