Residents of Nsokpo Community in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, have called on the state government to address the worsening insecurity and deplorable road conditions. The Nsokpo Dynamic Association, a group of young professionals, issued a statement on Monday urging the government to take action. The community has experienced repeated kidnappings and armed attacks in recent months, disrupting daily activities. Farmers are afraid to access their farms, traders close their businesses early, and parents keep their children indoors.
The association attributed the insecurity to suspected herders and other criminal elements operating in surrounding bushland. They appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to provide sustained security patrols in the community, including day and night operations, to deter further attacks. A coordinated security operation is also needed to comb the Nwaogwugwu land and bush axis between Ogbaku and Umunoha, as well as the bush areas bordering Nsokpo. The group also requested government support for community policing initiatives, including resources for local vigilante groups.
The association expressed confidence that intervention by the state government and security agencies could address the situation. They emphasized that basic security measures are needed to protect the community. Nsokpo is strategically located along the route to Owerri, the state capital, and securing the community would help protect the route from criminal activities. The association argued that timely government intervention would improve the safety and economic activities of residents.
The community is also facing challenges due to the poor condition of major roads linking Nsokpo to neighbouring areas. The Nsokpo–Ifakala–Nwaorieubi Road and the Nsokpo–Lawa–Ohi Road have deteriorated, making travelling difficult, costly, and dangerous, particularly during the rainy season. The association appealed to the government to reconstruct the two roads and install streetlights in dark and high-risk sections to improve security at night.
The poor road conditions have slowed the movement of farm produce, increased transportation costs, and restricted the community's access to commercial activities. The association emphasized that improving the roads would enhance the economic activities of residents and restore access to neighbouring communities and markets. The community's plight has been highlighted by the Nsokpo Dynamic Association, which is seeking urgent government intervention.
The Nsokpo Dynamic Association's President, Onyejiaka Mark, and Secretary-General, Chukwudi Ohiri, signed the statement. The group is a body of young professionals from the community who are advocating for change. Their efforts aim to bring attention to the community's challenges and push for government action to address them.
The Imo State government has been urged to take immediate action to address the insecurity and bad roads in Nsokpo Community. The community's residents are eagerly awaiting government intervention to restore peace and improve their living conditions. Key issues that need to be addressed include providing sustained security patrols, reconstructing major roads, and installing streetlights to enhance security at night.
Key points
- Nsokpo Community faces repeated kidnappings and armed attacks.
- The community's roads have deteriorated, making travelling difficult and costly.
- The state government has been urged to provide sustained security patrols and reconstruct major roads.
