The government of Imo State has raised the alarm over increasing criminal activities in the state.
Nze Chinasa Nwaneri,
Special Assistant to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monitoring & Compliance in a statement said the alarming rate of crimes such as vandalism of government property, robbery,drug-peddling, prostitution among others poses serious threats to the security and wellbeing of law-abiding citizens and residents of the state.
The statement reads:
The attention of the Imo State Government has been drawn to the alarming rise in the vandalization of government properties such as street lights, rails, electric cables, and other critical infrastructure, alongside an increase in criminal activities, including robbery, gangsterism, prostitution, drug peddling, and violent attacks within Owerri metropolis.
These acts of lawlessness pose a severe threat to the security and well-being of law-abiding citizens and will no longer be tolerated.
The government notes with deep concern the following hotspots:
1. Douglas Road: The only presidential road in Imo State has been overrun by street markets, criminals, and drug dealers who conduct illegal activities, including arms deals and drug peddling. This has fueled violent crimes and robbery from Ama JK to Emmanuel College Roundabout, endangering lives, vehicles, and pedestrians.
2. Criminals Disguising as Beggars: Hoodlums now pose as beggars by day and armed robbers by night, vandalizing government properties, including street lights, and giving the government a bad name while sabotaging efforts to improve security in Imo State.
3. Hospital Junction (Port Harcourt Road) & IMSU Junction: These areas have become notorious for drug peddling, particularly methamphetamine, which is openly sold by some individuals, exposing innocent students to substance abuse.
4. Suncity Hotel, New Owerri & D’Angels Hotel Junction: These locations have transformed into hubs for prostitution and illicit drug activities, contributing to a surge in criminality, particularly at night.
5. Arugo Park: This park serves as a criminal hideout and a launchpad for drug distribution and other nefarious activities across Owerri metropolis.
6. Use of Okada (Motorbikes) for Crime: Criminals use motorcycles to transport vandalized government properties at night and to snatch handbags and phones, often after inflicting knife wounds on innocent victims. It must be reiterated that the ban on Okada as a means of commercial transportation in Imo State, imposed by the Ohakim administration in 2008, remains in effect.
7. Unauthorized Road Digging: Some individuals are engaged in illegal excavation on roads without proper authorization, causing damage to infrastructure and disrupting public utilities.
8. Call for Collective Action: The government is calling for a concerted effort to combat drug abuse, violence, and prostitution, ensuring a safer and more secure Imo State.
9. Government’s Next Steps: In light of the foregoing, the Imo State Government will take decisive action against these illegal activities. Security agencies have been put on high alert, and a crackdown on criminal elements will commence immediately.
Any individual or group found engaging in, aiding, or abetting these acts will face the full wrath of the law. The days of lawlessness are over, and Imo State will not be a haven for criminals. The government will deploy all necessary resources to restore order and protect the lives and property of citizens.
This announcement serves as a final warning—security forces will be mobilized to sanitize Owerri metropolis, and offenders will face swift and severe consequences.
