Dr. Kelechi Okere Worries About Increased Insecurity in Owerri West
The Traditional Prime Minister of Owerri West, TPM Dr. Kelechukwu Okere MD, has expressed worry over the ugly problem and called on the government and security agencies to investigate after allegations of kidnappings by armed persons and general insecurity in the area surfaced.
Recall that in the latter part of 2023, the villages of Ihiagwa and Nekede in Owerri West allegedly reported incidents of kidnapping and missing individuals due to gunmen camping out in their forests and attacking them.
Dr. Kelechi Okere Worries About Increased Insecurity in Owerri West
But the attacks on the people living in these communities haven’t stopped.
Similarly, since a truck full of persons with dogs and ammunition—posing as hunters—were stopped and let to go, residents in the local government area have not gone to sleep with their eyes closed. Residents are quite concerned about this and believe it will increase the level of insecurity in the neighborhood.
Dr. Okere, a significant Owerri West stakeholder, expressed his displeasure over the negative effects this nasty incident will have on the region’s food production, since people are now afraid to visit fields for fear of being attacked.
A suspected kidnap hideout was discovered during a recent search of a community forest between Avu and Ihiagwa by the Imo state Police command’s Special Tactical unit, under the direction of Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma and some local hunters. The search turned up two decomposing unidentified bodies as well as other items that may have belonged to the victims.
“The abduction problem in Owerri West is becoming out of control. Fear grips both farmers and non-farmers. He asked, “What then happens to food production, especially with the country’s high inflation and economic downturn?”
He urged the government to take up the cause and provide security personnel—especially neighborhood vigilante groups—with the tools they need to defend their neighborhoods.
“The government needs to demonstrate that protecting people and property is its top priority. To do this, it should arm the police, local vigilante groups, hunters, and any other available resources in each Owerri West community. If at all feasible, it should also form local taskforces with neighboring communities so that they can cooperate to provide the highest level of security.”
“The abduction problem in Owerri West is becoming out of control. Fear grips both farmers and non-farmers. He asked, “What then happens to food production, especially with the country’s high inflation and economic downturn?”
Additionally, Nde Owerri West residents are required to report any weird or irritating activity in their neighborhoods. He gave advice.
He went on to order Owerri zone to implement the “Onye aghala nwanne ya principle” at this dangerous period. On their farms, however, farmers have to learn how to operate in teams. Additionally, he urged the Owerri West diaspora to contribute financially to neighborhood vigilante organizations’ initiatives to eradicate insecurity in local neighborhoods.
Alternatively, in advance of the rainy season, the TPM reminded the state government of their commitment about the unfinished Nekede/Ihiagwa road.
