From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Natives of Umuohiagu, Obiangwu and Logara all in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State have called on the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma to save them from the spate of security challenges in the area.
A community leader from one of the troubled areas, Julius Ibe who disclosed this to newsmen on Friday, said the places mentioned have become a nightmare to the natives who he said were being abducted and robbed constantly by hoodlums.
According to him, the POS business operators were major targets. He recalled that at least six of them have fallen victim to the hoodlums between January and February this year.
He also added: “No fewer than six persons were shot dead by gunmen within the airport communities in 2023 alone while several POS businesses were abruptly shut down as a result of incessant armed robbery attacks.” He further stated that the precarious security situation in the area has drastically crippled business activities in the area as well as forced many of the indigenes of the area to abandon their homes.
While recalling earlier incidents that occurred in the area, he said: “Between January and July, 2023, three men were murdered in cold blood by gunmen terrorising our communities. Among the three persons shot dead were Mr Adindu Okere from Umuwaomma Village in Obiangwu.
“The other two victims killed in March last year were a Constabulary Police personnel and the vigilante coordinator in Logara Community, Mr Vincent Anuforo (Tanko) from Umuokeada Village. He was shot dead by unknown gunmen while on duty. Also Chief Monday Ekeh, a popular tipper driver and community leader in Ngali Village of Logara Community, was assassinated on Wednesday April 26 2023.
“Recall also that on March 27, 2023, the marauding gunmen killed three operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), at Umuolulu in Obiangwu Community.
“Several cars and motorcycles have been snatched from their unsuspecting hapless owners at gunpoint by same criminal syndicate during the period under review.
“These communities are supposed to be hosts to the Imo Airport, we ought to enjoy unassailable security considering its strategic importance.
“We beg the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma and IGP Tunde Egbetokun, Zone 9 to intervene and save us from further loss of our lives and property,” Ibe said.