A former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has awarded scholarships to the children of the four soldiers who died during the crisis between troops and members of the Eastern Security Network on January 25 at Orlu in the state.

Okorocha also announced scholarships to the children of the six civilians who died in the incident.

The senator representing Imo West, who made the announcement when he visited the traditional ruler of Uzoubi Umuna Autonomous Community, Boniface Okereke, on Friday, advocated national unity.

He expressed regret that Orlu, known as one of the most peaceful local governments in the state in particular and the nation at large, could be in the news for the wrong reason.

The former governor assured the public that steps would be taken to prevent the recurrence of the “ugly incident” in the senatorial district.

Okorocha said, “The incident in Orlu was very strange. It has become a concern to all of us. It must not happen again. Anger and acrimony cannot help our society. But peace and love for one another can help us and help our society.

“I call on all the traditional rulers in Orlu, most of them very prominent, to come together without further delay and take steps to ensure peaceful coexistence among all the people in the area and to also ensure that the development that caused the clash does not rear its ugly head again.”

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He stated that a seven-man committee had been set up headed by the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof Adaobi Obasi, adding that the presidents-general of the two communities mostly affected by the incident were members of the committee.

“The committee, among other functions, will manage the cash I have made available and other palliatives that would also be available, to ensure that the affected families benefit. The committee will also reconcile all those affected by the development.

“I have also given Scholarship to the five Children who lost their mother in the incident, and the Children of the man who also lost his life. The boy who sustained serious injury would also enjoy the Scholarship.

“The letter submitted by the traditional ruler, Eze Okereke over the humiliation he suffered in the hands of Security Personnel, would also be sent to the authorities,” Okorocha added.