The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again raised concern over the increasing spate of insecurity and violence as well as clashes among supporters of political parties in the forth coming governorship elections in three states of. The federation.
The commission raised concern over the failure of political parties to upload the list of their polling and collation agents on the INEC portal as required by the rules and regulations guiding the elections.
In a statement signed by the National Commissioner incharge of Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun mni, the commission said the action of political parties and their supporters is capable of undermining the smooth conduct of the elections.
He said “the Commission is concerned about the spate of insecurity and violence, including clashes among supporters of Political Parties and candidates in the forthcoming elections.
“In our engagement with Political Parties, the Commission has constantly called on parties to rein in their supporters from actions capable of jeopardizing the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria.
“INEC earnestly appeal to all Political Parties and candidates to avoid utterances and acts that may heat up the polity.
“The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation and sustain its engagement with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful conduct of elections in the three States.”
Olumekun said further that out of the total number of polling agents expected from the three states, the political parties have only uploaded 55 percent of the figures.
He said: “The commission notified all Political Parties of the opening of its online portal for the upload of the list of polling units and collation centre agents, which commenced on Thursday 24th August 2023. The commission thereafter engaged party representatives on the methodology for a seamless process.
“However, despite this notice and subsequent reminders, Political Parties are yet to substantially comply by submitting the list of their agents.
“For Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, only 55% of the expected total of 189,180 polling unit agents have been uploaded to the designated INEC Portal. Specifically, 29,278 out of the expected 40,372 (72.5%) for Bayelsa State; 51,681 out of 85,644 (60.3%) for Imo, and 23,720 out of 63,144 (37.6%) for Kogi State have been uploaded.
“Similarly, only 25.1% of the expected 15,804 Collation Agents in the three States have been uploaded: 1,246 (26.0%) out of 4,806 for Bayelsa; 1,638 (27.3%) out of 5,994 for Imo, and 1,095 (21.9%) out of 5,004 for Kogi State.
“The Commission hereby wishes to further remind Political Parties that the portal will automatically shut down at 12:00 midnight on Tuesday 10th October 2023.
“There shall be no extension. Consequently, all parties sponsoring candidates for the elections that are yet to upload the list of their agents should do so before the deadline for the exercise”.
Speaking on online Accreditation of Journalists to cover the elections, he said only 45 media organisations have so far applied for accreditation.
The statement said: “The online accreditation of Journalists commenced on 24th August 2023 and will close on 22nd October 2023. So far, 45 media organisations have applied for accreditation.
“The commission also wishes to use this medium to encourage all interested Media organisations to take advantage of the remaining window to apply on imap.inecnigeria.org before the deadline on 22nd October 2023.
“For emphasis, late applications will not be entertained and there is no provision for manual accreditation anymore.”
In the interest of peace and unity of Owerri zone, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Imo State, Samuel Anyanwu has promised to abide by the resolutions taken by Owerri people at the 5th edition of Egbu Declaration.
Owerri zone people at the weekend adopted all decisions taken at the 5th Egbu declaration to ensure that the principle of charter of equity agreed in 1998 be followed, obeyed and implemented in the interest of equity.
They also advised guber candidates of Owerri zone extraction to support one candidate.
Anyanwu in a statement on Sunday, October 8, said that he would not go contrary to decision of his people to support anyone mostly favoured as a consensus candidate for the zone in order not to divide votes from the zone.
The statement reads: “Most importantly, the PDP candidate is appreciative of the fact that in the cause of looking for a lasting solution to the political marginalization of Owerri zone since 1999, the people of the zone came together under the “Egbu” roadmap and spoke in one voice towards solving the political neglect.
Anyanwu noted that as one of the people contesting the Governorship poll from Owerri zone, he would not go contrary to the decision of his people to support anyone mostly favoured as a consensus candidate for the zone in order not to divide votes from the zone.
“It is worthy to note that Senator Anyanwu is not desperate for power, but his only interest is to ensure that the charter of equity adopted in 1998 by critical stakeholders in Imo State becomes operational where every zone will be free to occupy the number one seat without hitches and supported by other zones.
Anyanwu regreted that since 1999, Orlu zone has governed the state for 20 years, Okigwe zone occupied for 4 years while Owerri zone had yet to take a shot.
The party flag bearer is not happy with the spate of insecurity, poor economic growth, bad rural/urban roads, health, education and agricultural sectors in the state. As a patriotic citizen of the state, Senator Anyanwu is appealing to the people to consider the unity of the state first, before according high premium to their personal interests.
He expressed optimism that Imo State can only be rehabilitated and becomes safe again if politicians and all the Governorship candidates across the state will eschew bitterness, politics of rancour, acrimony and come together to do what is necessary, believing that without Imo State, we have no other place we can call our own.
While congratulating the people of Owerri zone for the successful hosting of the 5th edition of the Egbu Declaration, Anyanwu promised not to hesitate to do whatever that is needed to be done for the peace, unity and cooperation of the citizens and the development of Imo State in general.
Imo State Council of Elders and leaders from Owerri zone have unanimously resolved to vote massively for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second term on November 11.
They also appealed to candidates of other political parties from Owerri and Okigwe zones to drop their ambition and allow only candidates from the Orlu zone to contest the forthcoming governorship election.
The leaders who took the decisions in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Thursday, said though it is the right of all the candidates from the three senatorial zones to contest the election, adhering to the Charter of Equity will ensure peace, unity and stability in Imo State.
The leaders who took their turn to speak also agreed that cognisance of the incumbency of the present Governor, who has done well, for which reason stakeholders unanimously adopted him for a second tenure in the last Imo stakeholders meeting of January this year, and who constitutionally is entitled to a second tenure, he should be supported to go for a second tenure after which, by this Charter, the governorship goes to Owerri zone.
Deputy Governor Placid Njoku said the people gathered together to sign the charter which he said is not a casual document.
He said about 411 elders in Imo State were the ones who ratified the document. We said the governor should complete his second term of four years after which it will be the turn of the Owerri zone
“For us in Owerri zone, we see it as that handshake which other zones want to put across to us. There is no misgiving or doubt in us that we support it. It is not a casual document, it is a document signed for the good of Imo State, not for the governor to win election because he can win his election with or without the charter of equity because of his good works.”
Also, Chief Jerry Chukwueke said in supporting the charter and the re-election of Governor Uzodimma to serve out his second term, the power of governorship will rotate to Owerri zone.
He said his idea is to continue to promote peace and quiet in the state. “You cannot have a robust development in insecurity. One of the things that the governor is most concerned about is how he can reduce the amount of money expended every month in supporting security infrastructure and operatives so that most of the money can be redirected and re-channelled into further development of Imo State. “
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu noted that the Charter of Equity would ensure a smooth transition as well as promote peace in the state.
“This is not a party affair. I am neither APC nor PDP. Whoever wants to run should run but it is not the turn of Owerri zone, we have also told other candidates from Owerri zone to step down, I have told about three of the contestants to keep their money and use it when it will be the turn of Owerri zone and support Governor Uzodimma because a vote for Governor Uzodimma is a vote for Owerri zone.”
Prof. Morris Iwu called for grassroots mobilisation in support of the charter, saying that the document is a gentleman’s agreement based on honour and principle.
He however appealed to Owerri indigenes to support the charter by voting for Governor Uzodimma, adding that failure to do so has thrown the ballot open. “It is the turn of Owerri zone but if Owerri zone fails to vote in support of the charter, it will not be their turn because you cannot reap where you did not sow.”
For Chief Lemmy Akakem, the importance of the Charter of Equity cannot be overemphasised. “If you look at what played out in Ebonyi, Enugu, and Anambra states, you would have noticed that there was less acrimony in picking their candidates for their governorship election because they know the zones that would produce the candidates. So, it will reduce tension, it will bring peace and equity and less expensive.”
Imo State has been in the news for the wrong reason again. It has, for some time now, been a killing field of sorts. Recently, some unidentified killers murdered five security personnel in the Umualumaku Community in the Ehime Mbano Council Area of the state. This horrid event made the military launch a reprisal attack that resulted in the destruction of the people’s means of livelihood. CHRIS NJOKU reports
The recent killing of five security personnel in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State has sparked a series of reprisal attacks. As a result, residents of the affected areas have had to flee their communities.
The incident, which happened on Tuesday morning, September 19, 2023, has left the Umualumaku Community in a state of uncertainty.
As the situation unfolds, various groups and individuals have condemned the violence, even as they called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) were reportedly attacked at a security post, leading to their deaths, while some people were seriously wounded. The injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
In response to the attacks, the military launched a reprisal attack that resulted in the destruction of the people’s means of livelihood in Ehime Mbano Local Council.
A video clip displayed the level of destruction of people’s shops and businesses by some suspected military personnel. This was in retaliation for the killing of the five security agents by gunmen. The video clip went viral immediately and generated negative reactions.
As a result of the escalating violence, residents have started fleeing the area, seeking refuge in some neighbouring communities.
The state governor, Hope Uzodimma, who visited the scene of the incident, has promised that security agencies would fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
However, the overall security situation in the state has remained volatile, despite the governor’s efforts to tackle insecurity since he assumed office.
Governor Uzodimma’s administration has, even so, claimed to have contained the onslaught of hoodlums in Imo State, as it has demonstrated a commitment to protecting lives and properties.
Since assuming office, Uzodimma has also engaged with stakeholders on several occasions, including a series of interactions in January last year that were aimed at addressing security challenges.
Despite these efforts, there have been criticisms and challenges regarding the state of insecurity in Imo State. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to report Uzodimma to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over rising insecurity, suggesting that some stakeholders are dissatisfied with the governor’s approach to the trend. The party’s fear arises from cases in some parts of the state.
For instance, the Orlu and Okigwe zones have been experiencing some challenging security situations; with various incidents of violence and insecurity reported.
The areas of Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, Okwe in Onuimo, Njaba and Orlu have been abandoned due to the devastating cost of sit-at-home orders, resulting in a growing number of casualties.
Pockets of kidnappings and killings have been reported in some parts of the state, with no community after Owerri municipality is considered safe. The Okigwe, Oguta, and Orlu axis are particularly affected. Severe insecurity in Orlu and Okigwe zones has resulted in, at least, 1,000 killings and the destruction of property.
The security situation in the region has had a negative impact on food security; with farmers being caught in the crossfire during clashes among suspected agents of the pro-Biafra group and Nigeria’s security agencies.
The latest happening in Ehime Mbano has continued to raise great concern.
Some individuals, however, believe that the security problems in Imo State, which the governor has repeatedly echoed, are politically motivated. They also believe that Uzodimma is genuinely working to address the challenges. The governor has expressed optimism that the state will overcome its current travails.
The recent attacks and killings of security personnel appear to have affected the governor’s optimism, but ensuring the security agencies are on top of the situation led to reprisal actions by the combined team of the military. This generated tension that instilled fear in the people.
As a result, residents, particularly youths, are leaving their communities in droves to escape being bundled and branded criminals by security agents who were on a mission to arrest the suspects.
The ripples of these events are affecting other neighbouring local government areas.
Investigation reveals that residents now leave their houses late and come back home early to avoid being attacked or arrested. Areas outside Owerri, the state capital, are relatively peaceful, but the same cannot be said for the outskirts such as Orlu and Okigwe where students and pupils resume schools at noon and close before 4:00 p.m. due to the state of insecurity.
According to a resident who identified himself as Matthew Obialor, the Ehime Mbano reprisal has heightened the already charged insecurity situation. He stated that few vehicles ply the roads in these areas, and schools have adjusted their schedules; resuming at noon and closing at 4:00 p.m.
He said if the security agencies continue to burn the structures of the villagers, the violence may escalate.
The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has also condemned the reprisal attack by soldiers, which destroyed the means of livelihood for many people in Ehime Mbano Local Council.
The Youth Council of the organisation has also joined in condemning the killing of five security operatives in the state by gunmen and the subsequent reprisal attack by security operatives.
The candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the November 11 governorship election in the state, Athan Achonu has condemned the killing and the reprisal attack, describing the development as a sign of lawlessness in the country.
Achonu, a native of the area called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that security operatives do not engage in further reprisal attacks in the area.
He also visited the scene and urged other top security officers in the Southeast, including the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division Enugu; the Brigade Commander of 34 Field Artillery Brigade Obinze; and the Commissioner of Police in Imo State to restrain their officers from attacking the people.
Having pledged his support for the police, the DSS and the military over the years, he found it unbelievable that such an incident could occur.
Achonu revealed that two of the slain security officers had accompanied them to Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Ngor Okpala.
Calling on the GOC to call his boys to order, Achonu said the essence of governance is to protect society, even as he questioned the purpose of a government that cannot provide security.
He urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to rebuild the houses and shops that were destroyed, emphasising that the government should lead by example.
According to him, the residents are not the ones who killed the security personnel.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu popularly known as Samdaddy told The Nation that the incident was sad and unfortunate. He called on the gunmen to lay down their arms, as violence is never a solution to any problem. “I call on the aggrieved parties to embrace peace and lay down their arms, as violence is not a solution to any problem.”
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu noted that the retaliation was unacceptable, stressing that it had thrown the people into further pain and mourning.
Iwuanyanwu announced the establishment of an investigation team to be led by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state to provide a comprehensive report on the matter. He called on the Federal Government to identify and bring to justice the individuals responsible for this heinous crime.
The National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike expressed sadness over the murder of the security personnel. He stated that this act goes against the principles that the Igbo people are known for.
He emphasised that the Igbo people have a deep respect for the sanctity of life and are not accustomed to shedding blood, regardless of the circumstances.
Nnabuike described the barbaric murder of the security operatives as unjustifiable, reprehensible and against the morals and conscience of an average Igbo man. He appealed to those responsible for the violence to lay down their arms and allow dialogue to reign as a means of resolving any grievances.
The recent developments underscore my views that there is a need for a security summit in the Southeast, as well as an all-encompassing dialogue where all aggrieved interests would be allowed to lay their grouse on the table.
But, who are these aggrieved interests since no group has owned up to responsibility for the attacks?
The police have always claimed that they had arrested some suspects in the past that they identified as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB); the group has always denied involvement in any killing in the state or any part of the Southeast.
However, the pro-separatist group has condemned the killing of security operatives, stating that villagers should not be invaded as a result of the incident in the Ehime Mbano community.
Some residents have called on the government to unmask those behind the killings to restore peace not only in the area but in the entire state.
The government’s response and efforts to restore peace and security in the area will be crucial in addressing the concerns of the residents and preventing further violence.
Some security experts have also made several recommendations on how to tackle insecurity in Imo State. They suggested that the state government should consider adopting a multidimensional approach to address the security challenges.
They also highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict to prevent further loss of lives and the displacement of innocent people.
The residents called on the government, security agencies and community leaders to work together to restore calm and address the underlying issues that have led to this sad situation.
This approach may involve a combination of strategies; such as security sector reforms, national unity and data-driven decision-making.
Nigerians should prioritise the interest of the country above all other considerations. This can help to foster unity and cooperation in addressing the security challenges, he pointed out.
In the context of elections, they said security agencies should collect and use data on the most common election-related security issues. This can help in developing targeted strategies to address these challenges.
They urged Governor Uzodimma to seek the intervention of national leaders in combating insecurity. This may involve engaging with influential figures who can provide support and guidance in addressing the security challenges.
Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, a support group of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Progressives League of Youth Voters, has cautioned some senior citizens to desist from making inflammatory statements that are capable of undermining the electoral process.
The group complained that tension is being heightened in the state following unguarded statements, especially by the highly placed individuals.
The group’s National Coordinator, Audu Shuaibu, gave the warning yesterday while addressing a news conference in Abuja ahead of the off-circle election.
Shuaibu argued that it would be wrong for the group to fold its arms and watch a senior citizen from another state cause chaos in Imo State.
The group alleged that it was aware that the future of Imo State was being toyed with by highly placed politicians who want to use the influence of their offices to force a regime change in Imo.
“As we are aware, the Imo State governorship election is fast approaching alongside Kogi and Bayelsa States. In most parts of the country, elections are made to be a do-or-die affair with political actors willing to do anything to secure their seats but men of good conscience always stand to advocate for peaceful elections. Such are leaders of thought who believe in Nigeria.
“In Imo State, some senior citizens are calling for war with their unguarded statements which is already building up tension ahead of the poll.”
The group alleged that an unnamed governor in the southeast was planning to invade Imo State with some members of the Labour Party during the governorship election.
The group warned that the people of Imo State should be allowed to choose their governor in the coming elections.
Shuaibu said: “Our people must not be intimidated or coerced into accepting a governorship candidate imposed on them by enemies of isolates.
“We will resist any form of imposition or plot to cause political instability in Imo state. We would resist with equal vigor any attempt to influence the gubernatorial elections to favour the Labour Party.”
Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, a support group of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Progressives League of Youth Voters, has cautioned some senior citizens to desist from making inflammatory statements that are capable of undermining the electoral process.
The group complained that tension is being heightened in the state following unguarded statements, especially by the highly placed individuals.
The national coordinator of the group, Audu Shuaibu, sounded the warning on Wednesday, October 4, while addressing a press conference in Abuja ahead of the off-circle election in Imo state.
Shuaibu argued that it would be wrong for the group to fold its arms and watch a senior citizen from another state cause chaos in Imo state.
The group noted that it was aware that the future of Imo state was being toyed with by highly placed politicians who wanted to use the influence of their offices to force a regime change in Imo.
He stated: “As we are aware, the Imo state governorship election is fast approaching alongside Kogi and Bayelsa States. In most parts of the country, elections are made to be a do-or-die affair with political actors willing to do anything to secure their seats but men of good conscience always stand to advocate for peaceful elections. Such are leaders of thought who believe in Nigeria.
“In Imo State, some senior citizens are calling for war with their unguarded statements which is already building up tension ahead of the poll.”
The group alleged that an unnamed governor in the southeast was planning to invade Imo state with some members of the Labour Party during the governorship election.
The group warned that the people of Imo State should be allowed to choose their Governor in the coming elections.
Shuaibu added: “Our people must not be intimidated or coerced into accepting a governorship candidate imposed on them by enemies of isolates.
“We will resist any form of imposition or plot to cause political instability in Imo state. We would resist with equal vigor, any attempt to influence the gubernatorial elections to favour the Labour Party.”
He spoke at his home town in Ozuh Omuma, Oru East Local Government during the dedication of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Parish Ozuh Omuma, which the governor solely built and furnished.
In his remarks at the end of the service, an elated Governor Uzodimma thanked the dignitaries who came from different parts of the country and took the opportunity of the dedication to inform the congregation that neither he nor his government was instrumental to the killings in Imo State.
He described the insinuation as evil, devilish and an attempt to smear his image and blackmail his administration.
He said as a governor, he needed peace to serve the people well and urged those behind the insecurity to have a rethink or be ready to face the wrath of God.
The governor said despite the accusations and blackmail against his person and his administration, God had proved to be with him, adding: “Power belongs to God.”
He said as someone who had benefited from God’s grace, he owed God a lot of gratitude, noting that it was unthinkable for anyone to link him or his government to the cause of crises and violence in a state God made him the governor.
He admonished those responsible for the violence and carnage in Imo State to desist, “because they will at the end answer for their sins before God.”
Uzodimma said his ambition did not worth the blood of any human being.
Recalling the genesis of the newly- dedicated church he built for his community, the governor said he was inspired by the commitment of his late mother, Ezinne Rose Uzodimma, to church work, charity and the things of God.
He expressed fulfilment over the newly- dedicated church, saying, “a fulfilled life does not point to the number of wealth one has, but the number of faces that smile from one’s benevolence.”
The governor, who expressed joy that with the dedication of the church his mother will be happy wherever she is, said his joy knew no bounds, particularly as he looked at the smiling faces of the guests.
Explaining that the project was conceived some 16 years ago and modelled after the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama Abuja, Nigeria, he said he was encouraged by the late Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Gregory Ochiagha and the current Bishop, Rev. Ukwuoma, and regretted that Bishop Ochiagha was not alive to see the church completed and handed over to the diocese.
Governor Uzodimma expressed happiness that the people of Omuma and all well-meaning people of God were part of the dedication ceremony.
He said the church is but a token of appreciation of the numerous good things God has done for him.
He thanked the bishops, the clergy, particularly those from outside the state who joined in the dedication service.
In his Homily, Bishop Ukwuoma congratulated the governor on the uncommon feat of the building and donation of a “magnificent worship place of God to the Catholic Church.”
The bishop, who cautioned that “with the dedication of the church, it has now become the property of the diocese and the universal church,” warned against any infraction in the church.
He took the opportunity to appeal to the leaders to lead the people well “because there is a lot of hardship in the country.”
The ceremony was graced by five Catholic bishops, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, senators representing Imo State, Imo State Deputy Governor Prof. Placid Njoku, members of the Executive Council, traditional rulers and others
Some hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network(ESN) have been destroyed in Anambra and Imo states by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
NAF said yesterday that the raids were carried out by the air component of Operation UDO KA II, a military operation against criminals in the Southeast on Tuesday.
Spokesperson for NAF Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said in a statement that the strikes were on IPOB/ESN hideouts in Anambra and Imo states.
Gabkwet did give human casualties. But he hinted that some weapons and ammunition were destroyed.
His statement reads: “Acting on credible intelligence that IPOB/ESN terrorists had perfected plans to disrupt civic activities lined up in the coming days in Anambra State and other States in Southeast Nigeria from their concealed bunkers/hideouts at Mother Valley Orsumughu, air strikes were authorised in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies on the location believed to also house some of their weapons and ammunitions.
“The strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location as well as feedback received.”
He said similar airstrikes, in close coordination with ground troops, were conducted the same day at IPOB/ESN hideouts in Aku Ihube In Imo State “after a detailed analysis of intelligence on the terrorists converging for a likely rendezvous at their hideout.”
“Consequently, air strikes were authorised to strike the hideout. The targets were acquired and attacked in succession, with a high degree of success,” Gabkwet said.
According to him, the military and other security agencies would continue with their efforts to ensure that all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside, are safe and free to conduct their activities without fear of any threat.
“While the determination of the security agencies is unwavering, the support of all Nigerians to the security agencies remains critical to defeating these criminal elements whose only intent is to sow fear and division among the citizenry,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Police in Anambra State have allegedly raided the office of pro-Biafra agitators along Awkuzu-Otuocha Road in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area.
Chris Mocha, senior special assistant to the leader of the Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (BM-MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuruike, alleged in a statement yesterday that the police arrested an 87-year-old agitator , Sylvester Dinyelu and two others— Beka Udemefuna and Amauche Ode, during the raid.
Before leaving, the operatives took away enlarged photographs of the late Biafra warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Uwazuruike and 16 plastic chairs.
Mocha said: “The members of BIM-MASSOB were seated in the office at Ifitedunu when the heavily armed policemen numbering over five arrived at the office in the evening and shot sporadically into the air, causing people living around the area to scamper for their safety.
“The arrested members were handcuffed, Ojukwu and Uwazuruike’s enlargement photographs and 16 plastic chairs were taken to Awkuzu, Anambra State.”
Mocha maintained that the arrested BIM-MASSOB members had never constituted a security risk to the state and should therefore be released.
Contacted by The Nation on the development, the state police command spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, replied with: “Thank you for the information. “
But a senior Police officer in the state, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the development.
The officer said the command was not ready to give any such groups a chance to continue terrorising the state.
A security outfit, Say No To Crime has expressed its readiness to provide adequate security in the volatile areas of oil-producing communities during the Imo governorship election .
The outfit Commander in Ohaji/Egbema, Mr. Okoro Bossa who noted yesterday that the group has restored peace, calmness and stability in the oil-producing communities, said it has capacity to ensure peace in violent-prone areas.
According to Bossa, the establishment of ‘Say No To Crime’ has been effective in the taming insecurity in the state.
He added that through its services, many militia groups such as militants, ESN and other heinous groups that had been terrorizing the area had since exited the communities in the local government.
He called on the Imo State government to empower the Say No To Crime security outfit by providing operational vehicles and more arms to them.
Also, the commander in charge of Oguta section, Orisa Anthony, stated that some terrorized parts of Oguta such as Izombe, Ezi Orsu, Orso Obodi, Awa had been recovered since the group came on board in the local government area, stressing that the security outfit had done “marvellously well in combating unknown gunmen and restoring peace and calmness in the area.”
Orisa also appealed to the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma to provide security apparatus and operational vehicles for easy movement to enable the group respond to distress calls from the communities.
Team Imo has won its first gold medal at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State in the swimming event.
The much heralded Ikechukwu Destiny of Imo won the 100m breaststroke boys event after clocking 1: 23.18 seconds to claim the gold medal and thus put the state on the medals table in the second day of the games in Asaba.
Elsewhere, Imo state Hockey team managed to pip Plateau State 1-0 yesterday while Kano State defeated host Delta 2-1 in another preliminary game.
Chinasa Okafor was the right place to score what turned out to be the only goal of the game.
Imo Hockey coach, Justina Onyedum hailed her team’s performance and charged her players to go for more wins as they battle to end the National Youth Games as Hockey Champions.
“It was a hard fought win for us. We expect another tough game but we hope to win again to consolidate our position in the group,” Onyedum told our correspondent.
“We prepared for the game and are hoping for a good Competition.”
