The lawmaker representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere, on Tuesday presented ₦61 million to families affected by the killings on July 24, 2025, in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
On that fateful day, gunmen on motorbikes attacked Umualaoma, Ndiejezie, Arondizuogu, and Osina, killing 26 people and injuring many others.
Hundreds of residents gathered at Ugochinyere’s country home in Akokwa to support the victims’ families.
The lawmaker disclosed that the ₦61 million was raised through contributions from his friends, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to aid the bereaved families and the injured.
During the cheque presentation, Ugochinyere commended security agencies for their efforts in combating criminals but criticised local vigilante groups for lacking equipment.
“This will not bring back their loved ones, but it’s a way of walking with them through this difficult moment and praying this never happens again,” he said.
He further urged the state government to urgently protect the communities, noting, “If I come again and vigilante groups are not paid and equipped, the local police are not equipped, and our people are still being killed, while Ideato North and South Local Governments are receiving almost N1bn monthly, I will tell the whole world where the money is going.
“I have all the documents. I know every kobo that has left that account.”
One of the cheque recipients, Ozioma Munachi, thanked Ugochinyere and the donors.
She described the scars of that tragic day as terrifying and noted that the trauma would linger for years.
