Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma said he could not hold back his tears on assessing osses of lives and properties in the violence that erupted at the oil-producing Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area of the state.
A clash between the military and a group commanded by a suspected Owerri prison escapee, Obele, led to the carnage.
Obele died during the clash, while two soldiers also lost their lives.
Uzodinma who visited the community was not just tearing up, but also cursing the perpetrators.
“I am shedding tears because the properties of my brothers and sisters suffered to built were burnt.
“I would not have been a Senator without the kind of support I got from Izombe.
“I take Izombe as Omuma, my home town. It is painful that after all our sufferings, struggle and God answered our prayer, this happened.
“Instead of us continuing to see blessings, we are seeing obstacles. God will punish those behind all these things happening.”