The Ohaji People in Diaspora (OPID) has condemned the recent attack on oil workers affiliated to one of the oil companies operating in Assa, Ohaji in Imo State by unknown gunmen, which led to the death of not less than four men and left several others severely injured.

The OPID said the attack occurred on a bus conveying the Lee Engineering Company (LEC) workers on the Etekeuru-Assa Road in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of the state.

The group, in a statement that was signed by its President, Mr. Mezie Lawson Treasure, called on relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate, unmask and prosecute the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident.

It, however, advised law enforcement agencies to be professional in their investigations and ensure that innocent citizens of the area were not made to suffer abuse of their fundamental human rights.

The statement reads; “We, the entire members of OPID, totally and unreservedly condemn the recent attack on the bus conveying LEC’s workers on the Etekwuru-Assa Road in Ohaji /Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

“The attack led to the death of about four oil workers and several others injured while on their way to their facility in Assa community.

“The OPID calls on the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the unfortunate incident so as to diligently prosecute the perpetrators. In carrying out this onerous task, we enjoin the law enforcement agencies to be professional and ensure innocent citizens of the area are not made to suffer abuses on their fundamental human rights.

“We join the entire people of Ohaji to sympathise with the families of the victims. It is our prayer that such an ugly incident should completely be avoided.”

The OPID noted that Ohaji District had been a peaceful area with her hospitable communities endowed with mineral and natural resources, and often referred to as the food basket of Imo State due to the level of agricultural activities within the area.

It added that “with the discovery and establishment of oil and gas companies in the area, it is our belief that the entire district will benefit on infrastructural development but the reverse has been the case after over four decades of operation.