Urges Security Agencies and Government to Swiftly Intervene
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Oguta Chapter, under the leadership of Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis, popularly known as OluImo, has strongly condemned the growing wave of killings, kidnappings, and criminal attacks targeting motorists, traders, and farmers in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement issued by the apex Igbo youth body, the group expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation along major roads and communities within the local government area, particularly the Agwa/Amakohia Road, Ejemekwuru/Agwa Road, and Ejemekwuru/Ogbaku Road, where suspected Fulani bandits and indigenous criminal elements have allegedly intensified their operations.
The youth body described the attacks as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that residents can no longer move freely or engage in their daily economic activities without fear of being attacked, abducted, or killed.
According to the statement, it is unfortunate that the kind of insecurity and violence previously associated with some northern parts of the country is now gradually finding its way into the Southeast region.
The group therefore called on the Imo State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently deploy more security personnel to the affected areas and adopt modern technological measures to track and combat criminal activities within the forests and vulnerable communities.
Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis also urged the youths of Oguta to remain vigilant and avoid collaborating with criminals for financial inducements, warning that security sabotage for “peanuts” would only worsen the situation and endanger innocent lives.
He further appealed to traditional rulers, presidents-general, and community leaders across Oguta Local Government Area to refrain from harboring or protecting any individual involved in criminal activities within their communities.
The OYC leadership revealed plans to establish a security committee that would work closely with conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups in gathering intelligence and identifying criminal hideouts within the bushes and forests across the affected areas.
The group maintained that collective responsibility, community intelligence, and proactive security measures are necessary to restore peace, safety, and confidence among residents of Oguta Local Government Area.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at protecting lives and property while calling on government authorities to act swiftly before the situation escalates further.
