From Ogochuwkuw Emmanuel
In a statement signed by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, on January 12, 2025, Governor Hope Uzodimma assured residents of Imo State that the days of kidnappers operating freely in the state are numbered.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to eliminate kidnapping and other criminal activities, emphasizing that perpetrators will soon have no hiding place.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service at the Government House Chapel to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Uzodimma expressed confidence in divine intervention, stating, “God will expose all those hiding in the bush to perpetrate crime in Imo.
” He urged criminals to renounce their ways and pledged government support for those willing to engage in lawful and meaningful activities.
The Governor highlighted the importance of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, describing it as an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price for peace and national unity.
“The peace we enjoy today is a result of the supreme price paid by our brothers and sisters,” he said, adding that the state remains committed to supporting the military in its peacekeeping efforts.
Uzodimma condemned violence, vandalism, and other criminal acts, calling on citizens to reject evil and embrace righteousness.
“Politics will come and go, governors will come and go, but Imo State will remain,” he remarked, warning that everyone would ultimately be held accountable for their actions before God.
In his homily, Reverend Father Augustine Agowuike compared the sacrifices of the armed forces to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, urging the faithful to continue praying for the military and other security agencies to ensure their efforts are not in vain.
The service was attended by prominent figures, including First Lady Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Speaker Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, and former Governor Chief Ikedi Ohakim, among others.
The event served as a prelude to the official Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations slated for January 15, honoring fallen heroes and their families.
