By Prisca Nguzo
Imo State governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma and heads of security agencies in the state have urged citizens who ran away from their communities over security challenge to return home and to recontinue their socio-economic activities, while assuring them of adequate security and protection.
They stated that the ongoing operation Udoka in the state have been able to restore peace and normalcy in the most once security threatened communities including Aku and Eziama communities in Okigwe and Mbaitoli Council Areas of the state.
The call was made weekend during an assessment visit of an ongoing clearance operation at Eziama Community by the Joint Security Taskforce comprising the Police, Armed Forces, DSS, and NSCDC.
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Speaking, Gov. Uzodimma who spoke through his Special Adviser on Security Affairs, Brig. Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd), Bridg. Gen. Usman Lawal, Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze; CP Aboki Danjuma, Police Commissioner, Air Commodore David Bello, Commander NAF 211 Quick Response Group, Owerri and Commodore MB Salisu, Naval Commander Oguta said that efforts are in place to ensure that the achievements recorded in the affected areas are sustained.
While also calling for continued public corroboration and support to enable the achievement of lasting peace and stability across the state, Uzodimma and others also appealed to the media to help in urging the indigenes of deserted communities to return home.
According to them, the act of providing adequate security should not be left on the shoulder of the government or security agencies alone, stressing that the public also have enormous role to play towards achieving security, necessary for quality development and general well-being of citizens.
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Meanwhile in a statement issued by the Police Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, the Joint Security Taskforce had during the onging operation in Eziama Community neutralized four suspected terrorists and arrested five others.
Okoye disclosed that the operation was targeted at demantling the camps of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its security outfit, Eastern Security Network, ESN, "responsible for violent attacks and kidnappings in the state."
Also during the operation, St. Peter’s Anglican Church, in the community allegedly used as camp by IPOB/ESN members led by one Monday Oluchukwu Ogu, popularly known as B44, was recovered. The hoodlums, according to report, take off from the church to lunch their criminal activities in the community and the state at large.
"During this operation, security forces successfully neutralized four suspected terrorists and arrested five others following a protracted gunfight with the terrorists. In addition, eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to IPOB/ESN members were recovered.", he said.
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