Security Expert, Residents Blame Gov Uzodinma Over Imo Killings

Daily Post earlier reported the attack on Sunday at the police divisional headquarters, Orji in Owerri where four motorists were shot including the State commissioner for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, Iyke Ume.

Reports also had it that at the late hours of Monday, not less than six policemen were shot dead at the Okigwe South Zonal Political command, Orieagu in Ehime-mbano LGA of Imo State, and the command razed at gunpoint.

The Imo-born social activist who turned out to be the founder of Fair Haven Security Nigeria Limited, further said that the governments both at the state and federal levels, have failed to address the issue of youth unemployment which, according to him, should be the greatest check against insecurity.

“When the people are gainfully employed and are provided with good welfare package, there won’t be any trace of violence. Unfortunately, the government has failed in this aspect. So, what do you expect?

“The cost of living is high. People have no jobs to fend for themselves. The people are not happy, yet the government is keeping mum over this. It is an unfortunate situation.”

Another Imo son who is a lecturer of Microbiology in Imo State University who pleaded anonymity said that the worse is yet to come if the government fails to address the issue of youth redundancy.

“Imo is a state that produces a large number of graduates annually and there are no jobs for them. Note that ten jobless graduates are ten criminals and so it goes.

“Government should provide job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths. Until this is done, the restiveness will continue to creep like the harmattan fire.”

A cross-section of traders in Amakohia modern market, Owerri said that the situation had kept them in perpetual fear as no one knows when the enemies will strike.

A butcher in the market who also refused being mentioned, said that attack by the ‘unknown gunmen’ has become the order of the day.

He said that the fear of the unknown gunmen has kept everyone at alert even as they are marketing their wares.

“If I begin to tell you how many armed robbery and kidnapping incidents that have taken place just in Amakohia in a space of one week, you will marvel. Nobody is safe here. We are living by the grace of God.

“A few days ago, a woman was kidnapped in a nearby street and minutes after that, some robbers went to Akwakuma and dispossessed people of their belongings.

“What I’m not sure about is if we actually have a government or security agents in the state. The governor is busy chasing shadows while his people die everyday.

“This is an ugly trend that needs to be stopped immediately in order to save the lives of the people. Government should act fast and stop blaming the opposition.”