By Andrew Ikehi
Tears and agony were evident Wednesday, February 16, in Alisimie community, Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State as one of the police officers killed by gunmen in Anambra, Inspector Lucky Aleh, was buried.
Inspector Lucky Aleh alongside two others, Inspectors Celestine Nwadiokwu and Jude Obuh who were attached to the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit in the Delta State Government House, Asaba, it would be recalled, were all hacked down barely a week ago by gunmen in Anambra State while on official duty along Ihiala-Orlu road.
The officers, it would be further recalled, met their untimely death while they were proceeding as advanced team for the PDP National Campaign Rally in Abia on Friday, February 10, this year.
Sympathisers at the event who included youths as well as the elderly from within and outside the community, eulogised the life and times of the deceased police officer describing him as a bridge-builder, peacemaker, philanthropist and humane personality whom they said is committed to the welfare of the downtrodden.
Speaking specifically on the life and time of Inspector Aleh, the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, Asaba, Prince George Efeizomor described Inspector Lucky Aleh as a committed and dedicated police officer whom he said, would be greatly missed by the force and, particularly staff of the State Government House.
Efeizomor, while saying that though the officer died untimely, but noted that throughout his sojourn on planet earth, it was evident that he impacted lives positively.
While urging the family to take solace in the worthy life their deceased brother lived, the chief Security Officer assured the immediate family that the State Government will remain committed to their wellbeing.
In his homily at the church service held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ime-Obi, the priest, Revd Father Augustine Awodipe admonished both the family members of the deceased police officer to put their trust and faith in God whom he described as the only comforter of those in pain and agony.
“This is indeed a trying moment in the life of the immediate family of our dear brother. No doubt, this is indeed a bitter pill for us to swallow, but we must continue to put our trust and confidence in Him.
“We can only pray that God in his infinite mercy should continue to console your heart even the type of consolation that no man can ever offer.
“This is not the time to begin to apportion blame, but a time and moment we must continue to put our trust in God and thus; enhance our prayer lives.
Apparently reflecting on the circumstances behind the untimely death of Inspector Aleh, the cleric bemoaned what he called increasing rate of immortality, wickedness and Immoral activities in the contemporary society.
He enjoined humanity to embrace peace, righteousness and repentance in order to avert impending doom of eternal damnation.