Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo has made moves to insure policemen against unknown gunmen’s attacks as violence continues unabated in the South-East state.

A statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday by Oguwike Nwachuku, the chief press secretary to the governor, stated that Mr Uzodinma announced the plan during a condolence visit to the police commissioner Abutu Yaro after unknown gunmen killed some officers.

The governor said the welfare package was an incentive to security operatives deployed. He hoped the initiative would motivate and encourage security agencies in the state for enhanced performance.

He urged them to show courage in the discharge of their duties, especially when confronted by gunmen.

“We intend to insure men and women of the Nigerian police working in Imo to support what is already in place. This is to ensure that in case of any casualties, the insurance companies will take care of the liabilities and obligations of the victims,” he explained.

The governor described the police as the last hope of the common man.

According to him, if the police are challenged, the security and protection of Nigeria are challenged and compromised.

He promised that his government would partner and support the police to acquire the necessary tools to function optimally, reminding them of their critical role in society.

He appealed to divisional police officers to fish out criminals in rural communities in all the local government areas, admonishing politicians fuelling insecurity in the state to “repent and refrain or be ready to face the wrath of God.”

Imo has become one of the epicentres of wanton violence in Nigeria as gunmen target security operatives and public facilities for violent attacks.

Attackers have particularly targeted police stations, prisons, and INEC facilities in Imo.

(NAN)