The Federal Government, yesterday expressed sadness over the killings of security personnel at Umualumaku, Ehime Mbano local government of Imo State.
The government said the death of the personnel would not be in vain, adding that it would ensure justice for the deceased and their families.
The government also promised a thorough probe of the incident.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who spoke on the incident in a statement signed by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Afonja Ajibola, commiserated with the families of the deceased.
The minister expressed shock over the ambush of the personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police and the military men who were on official duties.
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He described the incident as a barbaric act by unknown gunmen and assured the families of the deceased and Nigerians that the country would never forget their sacrifice.
He further assured that their loved ones would not be abandoned.
Tunji-Ojo said the killing was a “terrible tragedy”, and assured the public of the government’s commitment to ensure justice was established and perpetrators brought to book.
He noted: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Umualumaku community, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
“The loss of our security operatives is a terrible tragedy. It was a dark Tuesday for us as our men died on the cause of duty. And that is why I keep saying our security officers are doing a thankless job.
“On behalf of the Ministry, and on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will ensure that their memories are not forgotten,” the minister said.
The minister prayed for the soul of the departed security men and assured the public that a proper investigation would be carried out on the incident.
He said: “We will work tirelessly to investigate this heinous act and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
