8.4 C
New York
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Why security operatives raided, burnt shops at Eke-Ututu Market – Uzodimma

Published:

LATEST NEWS

- Advertisement -

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has given reason for Saturday’s security raid at Eke-Ututu Market in Orsu Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that security operatives raided and burnt some shops in the market after materials for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were allegedly uncovered in the place.

Addressing newsmen on the development at the Government House in Owerri on Wednesday, Uzodimma said that bandits operating in the area use the IEDs to fight security operatives.

He said that a Major in the Nigerian Army on duty around Orsu Awo-idemmili died last month from an explosion from the device.

“Last Saturday, a joint security force, which arrested a bandit, took him after his confession to guide them to where they operate from and manufacture the explosives.

“It turned out to be Eke-Ututu Market.

“They discovered four shops where fertilisers, ammonium sulphate and electrical gadgets used in manufacturing explosives were packed,” the governor said.

He said the Captain, who led the operation, together with another officer, was currently lying critical at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.

READ ALSO  Meet Young Graduate and Mathematician Who Hawks Palm Oil As Means of Livelihood in Anambra

He further said that the soldiers recovered all the weapons and fertilisers used by the bandits to manufacture IEDs.

“In the process, they burnt down shops and this is consistent with our policy.

“However, they were so tactful that no innocent life was lost.

“They were able to destroy all the shops, where the items were stored,” Uzodimma said.

He expressed concern that rather than visit the scene to ascertain the true situation of event, opposition candidates preferred to condemn the activities of security agencies.

He said that some were so brazen to blackmail the security agencies, questioning why they should go there at all.

He said that traders were not allowed into the market “without paying taxes to unknown gunmen.

“These are illegitimate taxes to enable people to open their shops.

“This is what we have been fighting all through,” he said.

Uzodimma said that his administration would stop at nothing in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in the state.

READ ALSO  Fegge Landlords Association Exco Dissolved. Following Allegations Of Sit Tight Leadership

“It is not politics. It is about the security of lives and property of our people,” he said.

According to him, the state government will continue to support security agencies to work efficiently.

The governor, who expressed regrets over the “collateral damage” suffered during the raid, promised to replace and rebuild the market.

“So, when Eke-Ututu Market is destroyed to give Imo peace, the Government will also rebuild it.

“If in the process, there are innocent traders who lost their items, government will work out a compensation for them.

“But government has a responsibility to fight crime,” Uzodimma said.

He urged community leaders, residents and visitors with useful information on the bandits’ hideouts to volunteer it to help in their arrest.

The governor said that the operation was exclusively executed by a combined team of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Police.

He said that contrary to speculation, “no local vigilante, called Ebubeagu, joined in the operation”.

Hey there! Exciting news - we've deactivated our website's comment provider to focus on more interactive channels! Join the conversation on our stories through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media pages, and let's chat, share, and connect in the best way possible!

Join our social media

For even more exclusive content!

spot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Of The Week
CARTOON

TOP STORIES

- Advertisement -

Of The Week
CARTOON

247Ureports Protects its' news articles from plagiarism as an important part of maintaining the integrity of our website.